Using the Blockchain for Quality Control of Crops

Farmers and growers face so many challenges on a consistent basis and most people don’t think about it because its not one of those “in your face” things that is commonly known about. Thankfully, blockchain can help us with so many of our challenges and I am looking forward to the day when blockchain is everywhere and commonly used like the Internet is now. Seriously, when the Internet first started out, who knew it would grow into what it is now?

Monitoring quality of crops during the growing season leading up to the harvest and before delivery of the final crop is paramount to our business.

Photo by Kenan Kitchen on Unsplash

What Needs to be Monitored

We need to monitor soil quality, possible pests, irrigation needs, and all on a precise measurement scale from the fields. After crops have been harvested, it’s possible to keep track of the quality of the crops that have been stored. CO2 and temperature sensors in silos can measure the quality of the stored grain to ensure freshness.

For most growers of this generation, automation and digitization is our overall goal. Record keeping and quality control being electronic and streamlined would save us so much time! Sensors gathering data round the clock allows us to check the status of our crops or stores by clicking a few keys. We can monitor pests so that we can respond quickly in the event of a possible outbreak and save the crop rather than having to dispose of everything. Technology saves us both time and money.

Think of how much simpler things would be and will be once we are able to implement blockchain technology in the agriculture world. We will be able to manage data, track everything we need, & conduct transactions.

I’ve been thinking though, and I don’t think anyone will really even notice when blockchain enters the farming and growing communities. After all, no one really noticed how much the Internet was taking over the world until after it was already done!

Photo by Caleb Minear on Unsplash

The Need for Blockchain

Blockchain works mostly behind the scenes to create secure databases and databases are not normally noticed if they are running properly. Software or applications will have the same look as the current technology unless you know what you are looking for.

But, the benefit of using blockchain is that these processes will become tighter and more streamlined while using less resources. Only those with access to the keys will be able to log transactions but anyone can see the data once its written into the blockchain if they know what they are looking for. Transparency is huge in the agricultural business!

Quality control of crops and long-term storage is a pain now but will be so improved when we are able to get blockchain usage implemented.

Thanks for reading!

Jeff