ENGINEERING PROPOSAL

1. Title Proposal
"Automated Conversion of Tomato
Waste into Nutrient-Rich
Fertilizer"

2. Research Agenda: Agriculture

3. RATIONALE
In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and digital
transformation, the role of computer engineering has become increasingly
indispensable. As society navigates complex challenges and opportunities shaped
by technology, a pressing need for sustainable solutions and environmental
stewardship emerges. A big problem in the tomato industry is what happens to
tomatoes that are too small, too oddly shaped, or just not pretty enough for stores.
They get thrown away, along with tomatoes that are produced in excess when
demand is low. This leads to a lot of wasted tomatoes, which harms the
environment. Our solution is a special machine that turns these rejected and surplus
tomatoes into fertilizer. This not only reduces waste but also helps farms grow better
crops. By recycling tomatoes into something useful, we can protect the environment
and make farming more sustainable. This approach shows how using waste can
actually benefit agriculture and the environment at the same time.

4. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
General
• The general objective of the study is to explore the utilization of
tomato waste as fertilizer and its implications for sustainable agricultural
practices and waste management strategies. This overarching goal
encompasses the broader aim of investigating how tomato waste, a
byproduct of food processing, can be repurposed effectively to enhance
agricultural sustainability and mitigate environmental impacts associated with
waste disposal.

5. Specific
• Assess the nutritional content of tomato waste and optimize the
decomposition process to produce a nutrient-rich fertilizer, considering
essential macronutrients and micronutrients.
• Conduct field trials to compare the effectiveness of tomato waste-
derived fertilizer with conventional fertilizers in terms of crop yield, soil
health, and environmental impact, including factors such as greenhouse gas
emissions, soil quality, and water pollution.
• Analyze the economic viability of tomato waste-derived fertilizer by
evaluating production costs, market value of crops, and potential revenue
streams.
Additionally, explore various application methods and address regulatory
considerations to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

6. THEORETICAL/ CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

7. 3D MODEL

8. METHODOLOGY
• In this study, our goal is to explore the potential of using vegetable waste, particularly
tomatoes, as fertilizer to benefit both agriculture and waste management. We start by
reviewing existing knowledge on the composition of vegetable waste, its decomposition
process, and its applications in farming. We design and develop composting or fermentation
systems to decompose vegetable waste and produce fertilizer, while implementing protocols
for waste collection and processing. Field trials are conducted in agricultural plots to evaluate
the performance of vegetable waste-derived fertilizer in comparison to conventional
fertilizers, with data collected on crop yield, plant nutrition, soil health, and environmental
impacts. Statistical analysis is employed to interpret the results and validate the hypotheses.
The findings of this study will contribute to the understanding of using vegetable waste,
particularly tomatoes as fertilizer and may inform future research directions and practical
applications in agricultural and waste management sectors.

9. Banana Disease Indicator (BDI)

10. Research agenda: agriculture

11. Rationale
Bananas are susceptible to various diseases, but some of the most
significant ones include: Panama Disease (Fusarium Wilt), Black Sigatoka, Bunchy
top disease, Bunchy top disease, Banana bract mosaic virus (BBrMV), Moko
disease, Anthracnose and Cigar End Rot. These diseases can significantly impact
banana production worldwide, leading to economic losses and threatening food
security in regions where bananas are a staple crop. In order to prevent economic
losses of banana production we invented "Banana disease indicator". It is a device
that serve as early warning signs or signals of potential disease outbreaks within
banana plantations. These indicators help farmers detect the presence of specific
diseases or pathogens in banana plants at their early stages so that the farmer can
take early action to prevent spread of diseases and minimize crop losses.

12. Objectives of the Study
General
The general objective of banana disease
indicator is to facilitate early detection and
assessment of disease risks, thereby enabling
proactive interventions to prevent outbreaks,
minimize crop losses, and support ongoing
research efforts for sustainable banana
production

13. Specific
Develop methods for early detection of specific diseases in banana plants,
enabling prompt intervention and control measures to minimize spread and
damage.
Identify and characterize specific symptoms or signs of diseases that reliably
indicate the health status of banana plants, facilitating accurate diagnosis and
targeted management strategies
Establish surveillance systems to continuously monitor the prevalence and
severity of indicator diseases in banana-growing regions, providing real-time data
for timely decision-making.

14. Theoretical/ Conceptual Framework
Start
Banana
End
Device Scanning
Identifying
Result

15. Methodology
In this study, Banana disease indicators involves a multi-stage
process beginning with a comprehensive literature review to identify key
diseases and their associated symptoms. Field surveys are then conducted in
banana-growing regions, employing standardized sampling protocols to
observe and record disease prevalence and severity. Samples from
symptomatic plants are collected for laboratory-based diagnostic testing.
Data collected from field surveys and diagnostic tests are analyzed using
statistical methods and geographic information systems to assess disease
distribution and risk factors. The findings are validated through field trials and
stakeholder feedback, with results disseminated through extension programs
to support informed decision-making and disease management practices
among farmers and agricultural authorities.