IoT integrated CNN framework for automated detection and quantification of rice and potato crop diseases

In modern precision agriculture, early and accurate identification of crop diseases is crucial for reducing yield loss and minimizing pesticide overuse. This study proposes an IoT-enabled framework that integrates convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with image processing techniques for automated classification and quantification of diseases in rice and potato crops. A custom-curated dataset was developed, comprising over 1,800 images acquired through smartphone cameras and foldscope devices under natural lighting conditions. The proposed CNN model achieved a classification accuracy of over 95%, with a disease quantification accuracy of 90.5%, calculated using pixel-level segmentation of infected regions. Experimental results revealed infection percentages ranging from 0.68% in early-stage cases to 13.98% in severely affected samples, enabling precise disease severity analysis. The framework includes a MATLAB-based graphical user interface (GUI) for real-time visualization of classification results and severity scores. Training convergence was demonstrated with a mini-batch loss reduction from 1.0879 to 0.0094 over 200 iterations, and classification confidence scores exceeding 90% for most disease categories. In addition to software implementation, the model was synthesized for hardware deployment using FPGA, demonstrating less than 5% LUT and 1% register usage for 512 × 512 images, ensuring resource-efficient performance in IoT environments. This work introduces a scalable, field-deployable tool for crop health monitoring, with potential to enhance sustainable farming practices through timely disease management.