Please describe your proposed solution.
Originally funded in Fund 8: <https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/8/f8-dapps-and-integrations/urban-farmer-dapp>
We propose completing the remaining work to build a live and functional dApp that is an MVP (Minimum viable product) that resides on a sidechain where data is stored, yet all financial transactions that are needed occur on the Cardano mainnet.
SideChain Launch:
This part of the project proposes to develop a set of Terraform scripts that will launch all of the necessary tooling and assets to launch our sidechain built with Cosmos Nodes, with selectable consensus mechanisms and parameters.
The project will also adapt the current IOHK released side chain smart contract to be able to launch on PreProd and/or MainNet according to the configuration of the above Terraform Scripts and link Cardano <> sidechain.
This will benefit the Cardano Ecosystem in many ways:
Node Software: The proposed Terraform scripts and the discovery tool for Cardano Stake Pool Operators will significantly streamline and enhance the processes involved in operating and managing sidechain nodes on the Cardano network. We reduce the technical barriers and complexities typically associated with these tasks by making launching sidechains and managing validator nodes easier and more efficient. The proposed Terraform scripts and the discovery tool facilitate a smoother operational workflow for node operators and encourage greater participation within the Cardano network.
Scalability Solutions: Introducing selectable sidechains contributes directly to the scalability of the Cardano network. By processing transactions on sidechains, the main Cardano chain can handle a larger volume of transactions without compromising its speed or performance. This increased scalability is critical to ensuring that Cardano can continue to grow and accommodate an expanding user base, thereby enhancing its utility and attractiveness as a blockchain solution.
Technical Standards: The development of the Terraform scripts, coupled with the adaptation of the IOHK-released sidechain smart contract, introduces new methodologies and technical standards to the Cardano ecosystem. These standards guide future projects and initiatives, ensuring consistency and quality in the development efforts within the Cardano community.
Blockchain Interoperability: Our project promotes interoperability between blockchains by creating sidechains that can be built on either the Cardano Node or Cosmos Node. This interoperability allows developers and businesses to integrate and interact with various blockchain platforms easily, thus enhancing the overall utility of Cardano. This level of interoperability can help Cardano achieve broader adoption and acceptance, which in turn can help to grow and enrich the Cardano ecosystem.
Our project addresses critical challenges and contributes numerous benefits to the Cardano ecosystem. Our solution bolsters Cardano's robustness and growth potential by increasing scalability, promoting interoperability, and establishing new technical standards.
The goals of this project phase are to:
- Provide a simple and easy-to-use way to launch our sidechain on Cardano
- Increase the interoperability of Cardano with other blockchains
- Make it easier for developers to build dApps that can run on both Cardano and other blockchains
- Promote the adoption of Cardano by businesses and organizations
Education Series:
This project also proposes to create a series of educational videos that teach all of the processes involved in the growing of microgreens, herbs, and baby lettuces in indoor hydroponic farm settings. The videos will be published into the Urban Farmer dApp on the Cardano Blockchain.
The growing demand for fresh, local produce is creating a need for more sustainable and efficient ways to grow food. Indoor hydroponic farming is one such method that is gaining popularity due to its ability to produce high yields in a small space, even in urban areas. However, there is a lack of educational resources available on how to set up and manage an indoor hydroponic farm. By adding these educational resources directly into the Urban Farmer dApp, we are steps closer to democratizing access to growing food in new and measurable ways.
This project will create a series of educational videos that will teach viewers everything they need to know about indoor hydroponic farming while utilizing the dApp to monitor and maintain their produce grows, leading to better success and longer term adoption of personal food growing. The videos will cover the technical topics required in hydroponic indoor farming such as:
- Planting techniques for different substrates.
- Specific growing management videos on 15 different plants grown as microgreens, baby plants, or potted herbs.
- Harvesting techniques
- Sanitation techniques
- Storage techniques
The videos will be produced in a clear and concise way that is easy to understand for both beginners and experienced farmers. They will be published into the Urban Farmer dApp on the Cardano Blockchain, which will make them accessible to a global audience.
This project will create a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning about indoor hydroponic farming. The videos will be informative, engaging, and accessible to a global audience. The project will also help to increase awareness of indoor hydroponic farming and its benefits. The Cardano community will benefit from increased adoption of tools on the blockchain.
Democratization of access to food builds resilience against climate change, and teaching techniques that can work in small indoor spaces will help to build that resilience.