Automated tobacco curing system for Mashonaland Central tobacco farmers

Author

Peyara, Chriswell

Title

Automated tobacco curing system for Mashonaland Central tobacco farmers

Abstract

The Automated Tobacco Curing System (ATCS) represents a transformative approach to tobacco curing for farmers in Mashonaland Central, Zimbabwe. This study addresses the inefficiencies of traditional curing methods such as inconsistent product quality, high labor costs, and significant environmental impact by introducing an IoT-based automated system. The ATCS leverages advanced sensors, control algorithms, and real time monitoring to regulate temperature, humidity, and ventilation within curing barns. Key objectives included achieving 95% Grade A tobacco, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 95%, and implementing a fault detection system with rapid alert mechanisms. Quantitative results demonstrated the ATCS maintained temperature within ±1.5°C and humidity within ±4% of set parameters, surpassing stability targets. The system produced 94% Grade A tobacco, a marked improvement over traditional methods (65%), and reduced emissions by 90.5%. Fault detection occurred within an average of 3.4 seconds, ensuring minimal operational disruptions. Qualitative feedback from farmers highlighted enhanced leaf quality, reduced labor, and improved working conditions. This research underscores the ATCS's potential to revolutionize tobacco curing by enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and profitability. Recommendations include refining humidity control, integrating hybrid energy solutions, and expanding farmer training programs to facilitate widespread adoption. The study contributes to the broader field of precision agriculture, offering a scalable model for resource-constrained settings.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Automated tobacco curing system

Tobacco farmers

Supervisor

Mr. Nduminyama