Research & reports

Henri P. Uranus, Reinhard Pinontoan, Dwi H. Yulian, Rianto Mangunsong · Springer Link (Chiba Institute of Technology) · Indonesia

This paper presents the design and implementation of an off-grid solar power system for rooftop farming in Tangerang, Indonesia. The system, monitored via an IoT-based data logger, showed stable operation with an average daily energy production of 1.6 kWh, sufficient for 2 hydroponic and 1 aquaponic system's 0.9 kWh daily load during the rainy season. The system reduces carbon emissions by 313.7 kg per year compared to coal-based grid power.

Ida Afriliana, Abdul W. Basit, Safar Dwi Kurniawan, Ahmad Maulana · Jurnal SOLMA · Indonesia (Tegal)

This community service program aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of the Melati Women Farmers Group (KWT Melati) in Tegal City, Indonesia, regarding the application of Internet of Things (IoT)-based Smartfarming Hydropro technology. The program used socialization, demonstration, and simulation of automatic watering with the Hydropro tool, which monitors and controls water and nutrient delivery for tomato plants. The results showed that the program successfully imparted knowledge on IoT, smartfarming, hydroponic tomato cultivation, and harvesting methods to the KWT Melati members.

Glenn P Ardede, Rosdiana Sijabat, Rizaldi Parani, Jacob Donald Tan · International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies · Indonesia (Jakarta)

A multiple-case study examined sustainable entrepreneurship (SE) among hydroponic entrepreneurs in the Jakarta urban region of Indonesia (Jabodetabek). Data was collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, and documentation. Findings indicate that SE emerges from personally meaningful concerns and evolves through adaptive, relational practices shaped by local conditions, with sustainability represented as a contextual response rather than a premeditated strategy.

Komang Tri Asta Pradnya Sulaksana · INDONESIAN JOURNAL OF SMALL SCALE FARMING · Indonesia (Denpasar)

An experimental study conducted in Denpasar City with 96 students showed that the visual form, video duration, and language style of TikTok content increased Generation Z's knowledge of urban farming. Specifically, content combining a long-duration graphic visual form with a conversational language style resulted in the highest knowledge increase. Personal characteristics did not correlate with knowledge increase, but communication behavior, namely exposure to communication media, correlated with knowledge increase.

Aili Yang, Yiwei Ma, Jia Chen, Haiyan Yang, Zhenji Wang, Qingqing Shen, Huajie Yin, Yuyan Wang · Indian Journal of Horticulture · India

In India, cultivation methods for optimizing lettuce production on household balconies were compared: circulating hydroponics, static hydroponics, and substrate cultivation against soil cultivation as a control, evaluating growth, yield, and quality. Hydroponic systems significantly outperformed soil cultivation. Static hydroponics produced the highest biomass, with fresh and dry weights increasing by 10.53% and 55.29% over the control. Circulating hydroponics had slightly lower yield but increased vitamin C content by 6.57% and sensory quality by 41%, ranking second overall. Substrate cultivation showed moderate gains, with vitamin C up 5.14% and taste rating up 19.66% versus the control. Considering growth performance, space efficiency, ease of management, and cost, static and circulating hydroponics were identified as the most suitable systems for balcony-based lettuce cultivation.

Sanchi Gour, Hemant Chikale, Bhagyashree Kumbhare, Yamini B. Laxane · Indian Journal of Computer Science and Technology · India

This paper examines the impact of e-nurseries — online platforms selling plants and gardening supplies — on urban gardening and home planting in India. It describes e-nurseries as delivering plants ranging from native to exotic species directly to consumers online, offering compact plant varieties and indoor gardening advice suited to limited urban space and time, and incorporating technologies such as augmented reality for plant visualization and AI-based personalized plant care recommendations. No empirical data or survey results are presented.

Ramadha Subhani Aden, Luki Anjardiani · Frontier Agribisnis · Indonesia

Focused on "Merko Hidroponik," a Merck Family Foundation-funded hydroponic (NFT) lettuce enterprise in Banjarbaru City, Indonesia, adopted as urban farming to address declining agricultural land, this study (2025) used descriptive methods to calculate total costs, revenue, profit, and business feasibility (R/C ratio) for the period March 2023 to July 2024, during which 11 planting cycles were completed from seeding through nursery, growth management, harvest, and post-harvest processing. Total costs were Rp7,906,424, total revenue Rp9,920,000, and profit Rp2,013,576, yielding a feasibility ratio of 1.254, concluded to make the business "feasible" to run. However, the study also identifies that the enterprise currently faces problems of root rot disease, managerial inefficiency, and challenges maintaining production continuity.

Talitha Ummiyah Hana, Sulistyodewi Nur Wiyono, Mahra Arari Heryanto, Ahmad Choibar Tridakusumah · MIMBAR AGRIBISNIS Jurnal Pemikiran Masyarakat Ilmiah Berwawasan Agribisnis · Indonesia (Bandung)

A case study of Greenhouse X, an urban farming enterprise in Bandung, Indonesia, found that its hydroponic water spinach (kangkung) supply has not been able to optimally meet market demand, and that its supplier-farmer partners are often inconsistent in meeting supply targets. Using a qualitative case-study method analyzed descriptively, the study identified 19 production risk events. The highest-severity risks (Si=9) were plant death during growth and root rot; harvest delays and unmet product quantity were rated as extreme-impact risks (Si=8).

Audina Meiliansya, Yayu Sri Rahayu, Nurcahyo Widyodaru Saputro · Journal of Mangifera Edu · Indonesia

Conducted from February to March 2025 at the Faculty of Agriculture laboratory, Singaperbangsa University, Karawang, Indonesia, this study examined growth and yield of Brassica microgreens (cauliflower, radish, and broccoli) under six levels of limited light exposure (indoor control, outdoor control, and 60%, 50%, 40%, and 30% lighting), using a split-plot design within a group randomized design with two replicates per treatment (36 experimental units total). F-tests at the 5% significance level, followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test, showed a significant interaction between light exposure and plant type for growth uniformity and plant height at 7 days after planting (DAP). The combination of 50% lighting with broccoli produced the highest growth coherence value, 88%, while the tallest plants at 7 DAP, 6.55 cm, occurred with 30% lighting combined with broccoli.

Ristina Siti Sundari, Depy Muhamad Pauzy, Hary Firmansyah, Arif Arif, Jhon Hardy Purba · Agro Bali Agricultural Journal · Indonesia

Against the backdrop of urban farming as a strategic response to land scarcity and food security challenges in metropolitan areas, this study examined the financial performance and internal marketing value of shallot (Allium cepa var. aggregatum) agribusiness grown hydroponically using Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and Deep Flow Technique (DFT) systems across two planting cycles. As a case study at P4S Galih Jaya, Indonesia, the quantitative descriptive research combined direct observation, financial documentation review and structured stakeholder interviews, calculating standard agribusiness financial metrics — production output, net income, Benefit-Cost (B/C) ratio and Break-Even Point (BEP) — while internal marketing indicators (employee understanding, decision alignment and motivation) were assessed via pre- and post-cycle surveys. The DFT system in cycle 2 yielded the highest net income (IDR 2,036,725) and B/C ratio (3.6), while the NFT system in cycle 1 incurred a financial loss of IDR 10,155 with a B/C ratio of only 0.9, indicating it was unprofitable. Internal marketing indicators showed clear improvement between periods, and the study concludes that the choice of hydroponic system affects not only profitability but also internal stakeholder engagement.

Darwison Daud, Zaini Zaini, Mohammad Khoiru Rusydi, Aulia Aulia, Novizon, Syukri Yunus, Rico Novendra, Mumuh Muharam, Athalla Novandri, Fatih Mubarok, Roza Susanti · Jurnal Andalas Rekayasa dan Penerapan Teknologi · Asia

In Sungkai Green Park Ecotourism, Padang City, lecturers and students from Andalas University implemented a Solar Dryer Dome for cultivating vegetables, fish, broiler chickens, and drying tea. This system, equipped with an IoT-based control system, resulted in efficient harvest times: vegetables in 21-27 days, approximately 1000 gourami fish per year, broiler chickens in 30 days, and dried tea in 8 hours, contributing to increased production efficiency, reduced operational costs, and improved product quality.

Harmi Andrianyta, Elisa Anggraeni, Sapta Raharja, Sukardi Sukardi · Research in Agricultural Engineering · Indonesia

This cross-case study in Indonesia aimed to synthesize a technology transfer model for agricultural technology parks (ATPs) by considering site-specific conditions. Using a system development life cycle and resource-based view approach, the research successfully developed three location-specific models: one for highland specificity, one unique to urban farming, and a tourism village-based model.

Supriya Jaiswal, Gopal Rawat, Chetan B. Khadse, Sohit Sharma · BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBLISHERS eBooks · India

Hydroponic farming, adopted in urban India to meet food demands, faces shortcomings including higher initial costs, complex nutrient discharge, and energy requirements for microclimatic conditions and skilled labor. To address these issues, a smart hydroponic farming architecture is discussed, aiming to reduce human intervention and water wastage using wireless sensor networks and IoT.

Herdayanto Sulistyo Putro, Irfani Hidayatul Imania, Hana' Salsabila, Rafika Frida Aulia, Salma Zaura Baraza, Chafsoh Nafilah, Rafi Aditya Aryaputra, Sulistya Ningrum Ayu Wardani, Khodijah Khodijah, Euisya Maulida Nurfatin, Akhmad Imam Haromain, Bagus Dwi Prasetyo, Gandhes Alamanda, Vanisya Dewimarta Sanjani, Risqi Sintania Agustin, Tri Ayu Wulandari, Araminta Widyanisa Sekar Nusantara, Cynthia Regina Ariesta, Geraldo Enrico, Inneke Oktaviana Safitri, Jihan Ghina Suryanegara, Yanuardhani Putri Widyastuti, Fiqi Hidayah, Ella Dwiva Novananda, Aufa Inayah, Anisa Rara Indriani, Balqis Amirah Az-zahrah, Annisa Rachman, Evana Fausta Najdah, Imam Nur Rizky Gusman · Sewagati · Indonesia (Surabaya)

In Kelurahan Gading, Surabaya, Indonesia, an integrated smart urban farming application was proposed to address limited urban land and suboptimal greenhouse management. This solution involves developing freshwater fish farming, specifically catfish, combined with vegetable cultivation like water spinach and pakcoy, to provide additional economic opportunities and meet community nutritional needs.

Rimbi Titi Pinasti, Ully Asfari, Purnama Anaking · Journal of Information System Graphics Hospitality and Technology · Indonesia (Surabaya)

This study designed a UI/UX website prototype for the Rooftop Farming Center (RFC) at Telkom University Surabaya, Indonesia, using the Lean UX method. The RFC, which utilizes smart urban farming with IoT, faced challenges in stock information, sales reach, and research data due to conventional sales methods. The designed prototype was evaluated using thinking aloud and the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire, achieving scores of 81.4 for the customer interface and 85 for the admin interface. Black box testing confirmed that all system features functioned well.

R Mithun, S Roopadarshini · International Journal of Social Service and Research · India (Bengaluru)

This qualitative study in Bengaluru, India, investigated how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) initiatives can enhance urban agriculture's productivity, sustainability, and inclusivity. Data was collected through stakeholder interviews, extensive field observations, and a comprehensive review of pertinent literature. Findings indicated that ICT initiatives have transformative potential in addressing key challenges encountered in urban agriculture in Bengaluru, such as limited access to information, inadequate market linkages, and constrained financial resources. Specifically, ICT was found to optimize crop management practices, foster stronger market connections, facilitate financial access, and promote social inclusivity within urban agricultural systems.

Indar Sugiarto, Astri Yogatama, Setyono Yudo Tyasmoro · Jurnal Inovasi Hasil Pengabdian Masyarakat (JIPEMAS) · Indonesia (Surabaya)

A hydroponic garden at KRPL Tambakrejo in Surabaya, Indonesia, was dysfunctional due to water supply difficulties, rat infestations, limited electricity, and suboptimal marketing. Through a community development initiative, the conventional hydroponic garden was transformed into an IoT-based, solar-powered smart hydroponic garden. This transformation resulted in a minimum annual profit of IDR 4,032,000, significantly reduced electricity consumption, enabled internet-based monitoring, and eliminated rat pests.

Anggi Indah Yuliana, Achmad Agus Athok Miftachuddin, Rohmat Hidayat, Rindhi Dwi Fibrianti, Erfan Nur Huda, Ziyyana Fitra, Yoga Firmansya · Jumat Informatika Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia

An urban farming support program in the Murukan village community in Indonesia used the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) method to design, manufacture, and implement an automatic watering tool. The program resulted in a 50% improvement in participants' basic knowledge, a 60% improvement in practical abilities, and a 70% improvement in technical skills. Additionally, participant confidence improved by 40%, productivity by 55%, and tool usage efficiency by 65%.

Sukanya Sereenonchai, Noppol Arunrat · Sustainability · Thailand

This study explored the framing of urban agricultural knowledge disseminated via social media and factors influencing satisfaction among experienced viewers in Thailand. It analyzed eleven clips from the Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (Thailand) on Facebook and YouTube using a coding framework and content analysis. A survey of 200 viewers was conducted and analyzed using SmartPLS 4.0. Key results showed that leading farmers framed messages by explaining actions, reasoning, outcomes, and associated health benefits. Source credibility and information quality significantly influenced satisfaction, as did self-efficacy, source credibility, and interactivity as moderating factors for knowledge satisfaction.

Adimas Ketut Nalendra, M. Mujiono, Samudi Samudi · Kontribusi Jurnal Penelitian dan Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia (Blitar)

This program in Blitar City, Indonesia, focused on empowering the KWT Mblimbing Berseri women farmers' group through training and cultivation assistance for melon urban farming using polybags and drip irrigation. The implementation of IoT technology contributed to reduced pesticide use and nutrient savings, while also creating direct marketing opportunities via social media. These efforts led to increased farmer profits and the provision of fresher products to consumers.

Dimas Adiputra, Abduh Sayid Albana, Rifki Dwi Putranto, Nursyahjaya Ramadaniputra, Nur Aliffah Rizkiningtyas, Ahmad Faiz Fanani · BEGAWE Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Surabaya)

Songo Village in Surabaya, Indonesia, promotes urban farming for local food security and income generation. This initiative disseminated a solar-powered hydroponic unit capable of operating without PLN electricity. The system features 300 planting holes, a 12V 200Ah battery, a 900Wp solar panel, and a 1kW inverter. A simple profit forecast indicated a final profit of 19,232,727 IDR, with a return on investment projected within 13 months.

Raden Deasy Mandasari, Andi Rosano, Djadjat Sudaradjat · Barometer · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This research monitored CO2 concentrations in rooftop areas of DKI Jakarta, Indonesia, using IoT technology and CO2 sensors. Data was collected over four parts of the day at two locations: Garden Roof and Ordinary Roof areas. Results showed that roof areas with gardens had lower average CO2 levels (295 PPM) compared to regular roofs (360 PPM), indicating the potential of garden roof designs to reduce CO2 concentrations.

Brilliant Adam Ramadhani, Shalahuddin Fathan, Jessica Putri Margaretta, Putri Wahyu Pebrianti, Ika Sari Tondang, Nuriah Yuliati · Kegiatan Positif Jurnal Hasil Karya Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Surabaya)

The Urban Farming Group "Keputih Bersemi" in Keputih, Surabaya, faces challenges in optimally selling and distributing its produce, such as pak choi and lettuce, due to conventional marketing methods. The majority of group members are elderly and unfamiliar with technology, limiting sales and distribution. The abstract suggests that digital marketing via Instagram and WhatsApp could increase visibility and sales.

Rizqa Amelia Zunaidi, Aulia Rahma Annisa, Lora Khaula Amifia, Nilna Agnia, Dwi Nur Azizah Hamidah, Nanda Mesa Nur Aryabawa, Dio Ifan Auliya · BEMAS Jurnal Bermasyarakat · Indonesia

This community service activity focused on implementing an integrated aquaponics system and enhancing community competence through training and mentoring in RT09 RW09, Pepelegi Village, Waru District. The project aimed to improve food security for residents and utilize vacant land, which was previously only used for growing vegetables such as basil, spinach, and tomatoes. The output of this activity is the implementation of an integrated aquaponics system and increased community competence.

Ning Wenyuan · Education Study · China (Shenzhen)

Shenzhen Polytechnic University established a “vertical farm” within its “one-stop” student community to create a labor practice base for students. This system was built through deep cooperation with modern agricultural science and technology enterprises in Shenzhen, close ties with the School of Communication Engineering's advantageous majors, and integration of labor instructor resources. It integrates six labor practice projects, including agricultural production, volunteer service, and environmental construction, offering theory and practice in urban “carbon neutral” strategies and modern agricultural knowledge.