Development of an Automated Yam Storage System

Agricultural preservation faces significant challenges, especially with perishable crops like yams, where post-harvest losses in Nigeria account for 30–50% due to inadequate storage facilities and poor environmental control. Traditional storage methods fail to regulate critical factors such as temperature and humidity, leading to spoilage, pest infestation, and economic losses. Although modern automated storage systems using sensors and IoT technologies have proven effective in reducing such losses for other crops, their adoption in yam storage remains very limited in Nigeria due to high costs, minimal research, and a lack of awareness. Developing affordable automated systems tailored to local conditions is essential to improve yam preservation, food security, and farmer income.
The system was developed using a closed-loop feedback architecture integrating both hardware and software components. An Arduino Uno microcontroller served as the control unit, receiving real-time input from a DHT22 temperature and humidity sensor. When readings deviated from the optimal storage range of 16–22°C and 70–80% RH, the controller activated corrective mechanisms such as a relay-driven Peltier cooling module, ventilation fan, and buzzer alerts. A 16×2 LCD with an I2C interface provided a real-time display of system status and environmental conditions. The hardware design incorporated a stable 12V DC power supply with battery backup, ensuring continuous operation during outages, while modular connections supported easy maintenance and scalability. The control software, written in C++ using the Arduino IDE, continuously monitored sensor data, compared it against predefined thresholds, and triggered actuators accordingly. This integrated approach ensured reliable environmental regulation tailored for yam preservation.
The system evaluation demonstrated that the Automated Yam Storage System effectively met its design objectives. The cooling unit responded within an average of 3.54 seconds when temperatures exceeded the safe limit, while the humidity alert buzzer activated within 3.84 seconds, both well within acceptable thresholds for perishable storage. Environmental control tests showed that the system consistently maintained temperature within 16–22°C and humidity within 70–80% RH, even under High Temperature, with rapid recovery from deviations. Stability analysis further confirmed minimal fluctuations, with standard deviations of 0.07°C for temperature and 0.07% RH for humidity, indicating highly reliable performance. These results validate the system’s effectiveness in creating stable storage conditions necessary for prolonging yam shelf life and reducing post-harvest losses.
In conclusion, the Automated Yam Storage System provides an efficient, low-cost, and reliable solution for preserving yam tubers by regulating temperature and humidity. The system can be applied in local farms, storage facilities, research institutes, and food processing industries where post-harvest losses remain a major challenge. It particularly benefits smallholder farmers, traders, and cooperatives by extending shelf life, improving food security, and reducing economic losses. Beyond yams, the system concept can be adapted for other perishable crops, making it a valuable tool in supporting sustainable agriculture and enhancing Nigeria’s agri-food supply chain.