SPTel platform digitalises urban farms for improved processes, crop yield

The platform by the joint venture between ST Engineering and SP Group was first deployed at AbyFarm. 

Network provider SPTel, a joint venture between ST Engineering and SP Group, developed a platform that will digitalise farming and will support the development of urban farms in Singapore.

SPTel developed its Internet of Things-as-a-Service or IoT-a-a-S platform at local agritech player, AbyFarm, which allows “fast and scalable” deployment of IoT applications that will enhance modern food production processes and improve productivity and crop yield.

The multi-protocol platform also provides urban farms with an integrated platform to monitor and manage various sensors and applications, and connect them to IoT sensors that transmit data on factors affecting plant health and growth conditions such as temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels.

“Enabling smart urban farms such as Abyfarm to leverage IoT to reduce manpower requirements and improve crop yield will be critical to the long-term success of Singapore’s urban farming programme," said Susan Loh, vice president of Marketing and Business Development at SPTel.  

This also enables urban farms to connect additional IoT sensors to retain centralised control of all devices and applications on the platform if they expand.

The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment’s goal for Singapore is to produce 30% of its nutritional needs by 2030 through having adequate space for urban farming and increasing production.