BUILDING TRUSTWORTHY AND RELIABLE AGRICULTURAL ARCHITECTURE FOR SMART AGRICULTURE USING DECENTRALIZED IOT AND IMMUTABLE DATA GOVERNANCE MECHANISMS

Abstract

As communication technologies continue to advance, the Internet of Things (IoT) has rapidly evolved from an emerging concept into a nearly mature ecosystem, resulting in a significant increase in data generation and processing demands. This rapid expansion places considerable pressure on the efficient management of widely distributed IoT systems. Traditional centralized IoT management platforms, however, suffer from several critical drawbacks, such as susceptibility to cyber threats, dependence on single points of control, and limited scalability. To overcome these challenges while also meeting data privacy and regulatory requirements, this study introduces a block chain-integrated IoT sensor framework aimed at improving security, transparency, and data accessibility. The proposed system merges IoT sensor networks with block chain technology to create a decentralized and immutable ledger that securely records all device interactions. This ensures that data remains tamper-resistant and access is strictly controlled. In addition, smart contracts are employed to automate system operations, including user-device interactions, real-time monitoring, and device management processes. To validate the proposed approach, a prototype system was developed using NodeMCU microcontrollers and a permissioned block chain network. Its performance was evaluated based on key indicators such as latency, throughput, and resource consumption. A practical case study in cotton farming further demonstrates the system’s real-world applicability. By integrating automated irrigation control, the framework helps optimize water usage without compromising crop productivity. Experimental results show a reduction of approximately 35% in water consumption, along with strong protection against unauthorized data manipulation. Comparative evaluation also reveals that the proposed solution performs better than traditional centralized systems in terms of scalability and resilience, especially in environments with limited resources. By combining the sensing capabilities of IoT with the security advantages of block chain, this research presents a reliable, transparent, and efficient approach to modern agricultural management. Overall, the study highlights the potential of block chain-enabled IoT systems to support sustainable and data-driven decision-making across various industries.