BLOCKCHAIN-ENABLED CLOUD MARKETPLACE FOR AGRICULTURE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a Blockchain-Enabled Cloud Marketplace for Agriculture, which provides a secure, transparent, and efficient digital platform for transactions between farmers, buyers, and suppliers. The marketplace leverages cloud computing for data storage and processing, blockchain technology for recording immutable transaction records, and smart contracts to facilitate automated, condition-based transactions. The invention enables farmers to list crops, manage inventory, and access broader market opportunities without intermediaries, while ensuring transaction trust, supply chain traceability, and real-time data access. This system addresses the agricultural challenges of limited market access, lack of transparency, inefficient supply chain management, and contractual complexities, creating an integrated solution to enhance economic opportunities for farmers and improve transparency for buyers and consumers.

Specification

Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to the online marketplaces within the agricultural sector. Specifically, it relates to a cloud-based platform enhanced with blockchain technology and smart contracts, designed to connect farmers, buyers, and suppliers in a secure, transparent, and efficient manner. The invention addresses issues such as limited market access, lack of transparency, inefficiencies in supply chain management, and contract complexities in traditional agricultural systems.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] The agricultural sector, forming the backbone of economies worldwide, is marked by intricate supply chains, market fluctuations, and a myriad of stakeholders. However, numerous challenges still obstruct its efficiency and profitability. Traditional agricultural marketplaces are often plagued by opaque transaction processes, limited market reach for smallholder farmers, unreliable supply chains, and a dependency on intermediaries that diminishes the profit margins for producers. These challenges are further compounded by the need for improved transparency, traceability, and accountability across agricultural transactions, particularly as consumers and regulatory bodies increasingly demand insight into the origins and handling of agricultural products.
[0004] A notable issue in traditional agricultural marketplaces is the lack of direct access to market pricing information for farmers. Often, farmers have limited negotiating power and insufficient insights into real-time market demand, which can lead to suboptimal selling practices and reduced income. Additionally, the current system often requires farmers to interact with intermediaries who bridge the gap between farmers and buyers, adding additional costs to the overall transaction and reducing the profit that farmers could otherwise earn. This intermediary involvement also slows the flow of information between farmers and end-buyers, resulting in delays and inefficiencies in the marketplace.
[0005] Supply chain traceability is another pressing concern. The agricultural supply chain is generally long and involves numerous participants, including farmers, logistics providers, distributors, retailers, and consumers. Each step in this chain has potential for mishandling or delays, affecting the quality and freshness of produce by the time it reaches the consumer. Traceability issues further complicate consumer safety and regulatory compliance, as end-users are unable to verify the source, handling, or journey of the products. In times of food safety concerns or recalls, traceability also becomes critical for quickly identifying and isolating affected batches to minimize health risks.
[0006] The advent of blockchain technology has introduced possibilities for overcoming many of these issues, offering a decentralized and immutable ledger system to record all transactions. Blockchain's promise of transparency, security, and immutability can help address agricultural marketplace concerns by ensuring that transaction records cannot be tampered with, thereby building trust between stakeholders. By recording transactions in a decentralized manner, blockchain eliminates the need for intermediaries and facilitates direct interactions between buyers and farmers, enabling more equitable revenue distribution and operational efficiency.
[0007] Additionally, smart contracts have shown potential to automate conditional agreements. In an agricultural context, smart contracts can execute transactions upon meeting specific conditions, such as verified delivery of produce. This reduces the chances of disputes, speeds up transaction times, and minimizes human error. Moreover, smart contracts, when paired with IoT-enabled monitoring and cloud computing for data storage, can further automate and streamline processes across the agricultural supply chain, from planting and harvesting to transportation and sale.
[0008] Despite the clear advantages that blockchain and cloud computing offer, there remains a lack of cohesive platforms that integrate these technologies specifically tailored for the agricultural industry. Many existing agricultural solutions remain isolated to singular functions, such as crop monitoring or market information, without offering a comprehensive marketplace that consolidates these features while addressing the needs of both farmers and buyers. A fully integrated blockchain-enabled cloud marketplace could provide a revolutionary shift in agricultural commerce by combining data transparency, secure transactions, traceability, and automated contract execution in a single, user-friendly platform.
[0009] In this context, the present invention aims to address these multifaceted challenges by introducing a Blockchain-Enabled Cloud Marketplace for Agriculture. This platform leverages blockchain to secure transaction data, uses smart contracts to automate and enforce purchase agreements, and integrates cloud-based data storage to provide real-time access to market and supply chain information. By creating a direct and secure link between farmers and buyers, this invention aims to simplify agricultural transactions, reduce intermediary reliance, enhance transparency, and improve supply chain traceability for a more robust and efficient agricultural marketplace.
[0011] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to ensures immutable records of every transaction, fostering trust between all participants.
[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to reduce disputes and fraud by enforcing transaction terms automatically.
[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to access a wider market, bypassing intermediaries, which leads to increased profits.
[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to reshape the agricultural marketplace by creating an ecosystem that supports fair trade, transparent transactions, and direct access to information, ultimately benefiting everyone from the farmer to the end consumer.
[0017] Yet another object of the present invention is to integrate real-time cloud data, blockchain technology, and smart contracts, this platform significantly improves market access, reduces fraud, enhances supply chain efficiency, and builds trust among all participants.
SUMMARY
[0018] The invention provides a Blockchain-Enabled Cloud Marketplace for Agriculture, which serves as a comprehensive digital platform designed to transform traditional agricultural transactions and supply chain management. The marketplace combines the advantages of blockchain technology, cloud computing, and smart contracts to create a transparent, efficient, and accessible ecosystem for farmers, buyers, and suppliers. This platform is intended to bridge the market access gap for farmers while offering buyers confidence in product origin, quality, and transaction security.
[0019] At the core of this invention is a blockchain network, which functions as a decentralized ledger to record and secure every transaction made within the marketplace. Each transaction, whether related to a purchase, contract, or inventory update, is recorded immutably on the blockchain, ensuring that data cannot be altered or tampered with after the fact. This transparency addresses trust issues in traditional marketplaces, as both buyers and sellers can verify transaction details and histories independently. Additionally, by creating a tamper-proof ledger, the platform fosters a transparent and accountable trading environment, which is particularly advantageous for smallholder farmers seeking credibility and broader market access.
[0020] Smart contracts form an integral part of this platform, enabling automated transactions between farmers and buyers based on predefined conditions. For instance, a smart contract can be programmed to release payment to the farmer only when the delivery of the crop is confirmed by the buyer. This conditional automation minimizes disputes and human error, expediting the transaction process while ensuring compliance with the agreed terms. The use of smart contracts further reduces the need for intermediaries, lowering transaction costs and providing farmers with a larger share of the revenue generated from their products.
[0021] The invention also incorporates a cloud computing infrastructure, which facilitates real-time data storage, retrieval, and analysis. This cloud-based system enables users to access a variety of data essential to agricultural commerce, including real-time market prices, crop availability, inventory levels, and transaction status updates. Farmers can list their products, track inventory, and monitor demand trends, while buyers can view product listings and make informed purchasing decisions based on up-to-date market conditions. Cloud computing allows the marketplace to process and store vast amounts of data, ensuring that users have access to comprehensive and timely information for optimal decision-making.
[0022] Supply chain traceability is another key feature of the invention. By leveraging the blockchain's transparency, the platform offers a tracking module that allows buyers and end-consumers to trace the origin, handling, and transportation history of agricultural products. This feature is particularly relevant in an era of increased consumer awareness and regulatory demands for traceability. The platform's traceability module enhances consumer confidence by enabling verification of a product's journey from the farm to the point of purchase, thereby reinforcing brand trust and supporting compliance with food safety standards.
[0023] The invention also includes a user interface accessible via mobile devices and computers, making it accessible to a wide range of users, including those in rural areas. The user interface is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, allowing farmers to easily upload crop information, view pricing trends, and interact directly with buyers. This accessibility is intended to empower farmers who may have limited experience with technology, bridging the digital divide and enabling broader adoption of the platform in diverse agricultural settings.
[0024] In summary, the Blockchain-Enabled Cloud Marketplace for Agriculture offers a transformative solution for agricultural commerce by integrating blockchain technology, cloud computing, and smart contracts into a single platform. This invention enhances transaction security, minimizes the need for intermediaries, provides real-time market data, and ensures supply chain transparency, thereby addressing some of the most pressing challenges in the agricultural industry. By offering a transparent, efficient, and accessible marketplace, this invention aims to empower farmers with greater market control, increase profitability, and provide consumers with the confidence and insight to make informed purchases. The invention thus supports a sustainable and equitable agricultural ecosystem, driving economic growth and social empowerment in the agricultural sector.
[0025] These and other features will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. While the invention has been described and shown with reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0026] To describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or in the prior art more clearly, the following briefly introduces the accompanying drawings required for describing the embodiments. Apparently, the accompanying drawings in the following description show merely some embodiments of this application, and a person of ordinary skill in the art may still derive other drawings from these accompanying drawings without creative efforts.
[0027] The accompanying illustrations are incorporated into and form a part of this specification in order to aid in comprehending the current disclosure. The pictures demonstrate exemplary implementations of the current disclosure and, along with the description, assist to clarify its fundamental ideas.
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates flowchart for the method of conducting transactions in an agricultural marketplace.
[0029] It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale, and the elements of similar structure and functions are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. It should be noted that the figures do not illustrate every aspect of the described embodiment sand do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0030] Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present embodiment when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim.
[0032] As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one" and the word "plurality" means "one or more" unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein are solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers, or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents acts, materials, devices, articles, and the like are included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[0033] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase "comprising", it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element, or group of elements with transitional phrases "consisting of", "consisting", "selected from the group of consisting of, "including", or "is" preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.
[0034] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, several materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations.
[0035] The Blockchain-Enabled Cloud Marketplace for Agriculture represents a pioneering advancement in agricultural commerce by creating a transparent, efficient, and accessible digital ecosystem. This marketplace leverages blockchain technology, cloud computing, and smart contracts to facilitate secure, transparent, and automated transactions between agricultural producers (such as farmers), buyers (such as wholesalers or retailers), and other stakeholders (such as logistics providers or regulatory agencies). Below, the architecture, components, and functional processes of this marketplace are described in detail.
[0036] 1. System Architecture Overview
[0037] The invention consists of three primary layers:
[0038] Blockchain Layer: Provides a decentralized, immutable ledger to securely record all transactions.
[0039] Cloud Computing Layer: Supports data storage, retrieval, and management of real-time information like pricing, inventory, and crop conditions.
[0040] Smart Contract Layer: Enables conditional, automated transaction execution based on predefined criteria.
[0041] The integration of these layers ensures seamless interoperability between all participants, enabling a streamlined and equitable agricultural marketplace.
[0042] 2. Components of the Blockchain-Enabled Cloud Marketplace
[0043] The marketplace is composed of several key components:
[0044] User Interface (UI): An intuitive interface accessible via web and mobile applications. It allows farmers, buyers, and other stakeholders to interact with the platform, access data, and initiate transactions. The UI is designed for simplicity to accommodate varying levels of digital literacy.
[0045] Blockchain Network: Utilizes a permissioned blockchain for secure, transparent transactions. The network ensures that all data entered is immutable and accessible to authorized participants, enhancing transparency and trust across the supply chain.
[0046] Smart Contract Engine: A repository and execution engine for smart contracts that automate transactions. These contracts are programmable to include specific terms such as delivery verification, quality check, and payment release.
[0047] Data Storage & Analytics Module (Cloud-Based): Stores all relevant data and enables real-time analytics on various metrics, including market prices, inventory levels, crop conditions, and transaction histories. Data is accessible to users based on their permissions, supporting informed decision-making.
[0048] Supply Chain Tracking Module: Monitors and records the product journey from farm to buyer, ensuring end-to-end traceability. This module interfaces with the blockchain network, ensuring that every transaction is recorded transparently and cannot be altered post-facto.
[0049] Payment Gateway Integration: Facilitates secure financial transactions within the platform, allowing for both fiat and cryptocurrency options. Payment release is often linked to the completion of smart contracts, ensuring fairness and compliance with agreed-upon terms.
[0050] 3. Blockchain Layer Functionalities
[0051] The blockchain layer operates as the backbone of the marketplace, providing the following functionalities:
[0052] Immutability and Transparency: Each transaction-whether it involves the sale of produce, verification of delivery, or payment-is permanently recorded on the blockchain. This guarantees that data cannot be manipulated, fostering trust among users.
[0053] Decentralized Ledger Management: The permissioned blockchain allows multiple participants to share control over the ledger, while access control mechanisms ensure that only authorized participants (such as farmers, buyers, and logistics providers) can add or verify data.
[0054] Tokenization of Assets: Agricultural products are represented on the blockchain as digital assets or tokens, which can be tracked as they move through the supply chain. This tokenization allows for the detailed tracking of product flow, enabling efficient inventory management and real-time availability for buyers.
[0055] 4. Smart Contract Layer Functionalities
[0056] The smart contract layer automates processes within the marketplace by defining and enforcing the terms of various transactions:
[0057] Automated Contract Execution: Smart contracts enable conditional execution of transactions. For example, a smart contract could be configured to release payment to a farmer only upon the delivery confirmation of produce, verified by the buyer. This reduces the need for intermediaries and minimizes the risk of non-compliance.
[0058] Quality Control and Verification: Smart contracts can include provisions for quality checks, where product quality data is uploaded to the blockchain (potentially using IoT sensors or manual verification). If a buyer reports that a shipment meets predefined quality standards, the smart contract automatically releases the payment.
[0059] Dispute Resolution: In cases where discrepancies arise (such as non-conforming goods or delayed deliveries), smart contracts can automatically trigger a dispute resolution protocol. This may involve third-party verification or hold payments until an issue is resolved, ensuring fair outcomes for all parties.
[0060] 5. Cloud-Based Data Storage and Analytics Module
[0061] This module enables the platform to collect, store, and analyze a wide range of data, supporting enhanced decision-making for users:
[0062] Real-Time Market Insights: By aggregating market data from various sources, the platform provides users with up-to-date information on pricing trends, supply and demand dynamics, and inventory levels. Farmers can use this data to make more informed selling decisions, while buyers can plan purchases based on current market conditions.
[0063] Inventory and Crop Monitoring: The platform's cloud infrastructure allows farmers to upload real-time data on crop conditions, including growth stage, expected yield, and availability. This transparency helps buyers anticipate supply trends, reducing uncertainties and potential shortages.
[0064] Predictive Analytics: Leveraging historical transaction data and market trends, the platform can provide predictive insights. For example, it could forecast price movements for specific crops based on weather conditions, planting trends, and demand forecasts. This information enables users to optimize their buying and selling strategies proactively.
[0065] 6. Supply Chain Tracking Module
[0066] The supply chain tracking module ensures complete traceability of agricultural products from farm to marketplace:
[0067] End-to-End Product Tracking: Each product batch is assigned a unique identifier, which is recorded on the blockchain at every stage of its journey. This identifier can be used by all stakeholders to trace the origin, handling, and journey of the product in real-time, enhancing supply chain transparency.
[0068] Data Integration from IoT Devices: IoT-enabled sensors can be deployed at various points in the supply chain (e.g., farms, transportation vehicles, storage facilities) to monitor and record data such as temperature, humidity, and transit time. This information is automatically logged to the blockchain, providing evidence of compliance with handling and storage protocols.
[0069] Enhanced Traceability for Food Safety Compliance: In the event of a food recall, the tracking module allows authorities to quickly trace affected batches back to their origin, minimizing health risks and reducing the time needed for resolution.
[0070] 7. Payment Gateway and Financial Transactions
[0071] The platform integrates secure payment gateways, allowing for seamless transactions in both fiat currency and cryptocurrency. The payment process is closely integrated with the blockchain and smart contract layers:
[0072] Conditional Payment Releases: Payments are automatically released upon the fulfillment of contract terms, which may include delivery verification, quality checks, and other milestones. This conditional release mitigates risk for both parties, as buyers are assured of product quality and farmers receive guaranteed payment.
[0073] Cryptocurrency Integration for International Transactions: By allowing cryptocurrency transactions, the platform enables international buyers and sellers to transact without the delays and fees associated with traditional bank transfers. This increases the global reach of the marketplace, empowering farmers to access international markets.
[0074] 8. User Interaction Flow
[0075] The following interaction flow describes how a typical transaction would proceed on the platform:
[0076] Registration: Users, including farmers, buyers, and logistics providers, register on the platform. They are assigned a profile and granted permissions based on their role in the marketplace.
[0077] Product Listing: Farmers list their products, specifying details such as crop type, quantity, quality grade, and price. This listing is added to the blockchain, creating a transparent product catalog accessible to buyers.
[0078] Order Placement: Buyers browse available listings and place an order for selected crops. Once the order is confirmed, a smart contract is generated to define the transaction terms, including delivery deadlines, quality expectations, and payment conditions.
[0079] Logistics Coordination: The platform assists in coordinating logistics, if needed, by connecting the buyer with verified logistics providers. Transport and handling data can be monitored via IoT devices, which automatically log environmental conditions to the blockchain.
[0080] Delivery and Quality Verification: Upon delivery, the buyer verifies the quality and condition of the product. If satisfactory, the buyer confirms receipt, triggering the smart contract to release payment to the farmer.
[0081] Payment Completion: The smart contract executes the payment process, transferring funds to the farmer's account through the integrated payment gateway. This ensures that the entire transaction is conducted transparently and efficiently.
[0082] 9. Benefits and Advantages
[0083] This blockchain-enabled cloud marketplace provides several critical advantages over traditional agricultural marketplaces:
[0084] Enhanced Profitability for Farmers: By minimizing intermediaries and reducing transaction fees, farmers can retain a larger portion of the sale price, directly boosting their profitability.
[0085] Increased Market Access: The platform allows farmers to access buyers across geographical boundaries, opening up new market opportunities and improving their revenue potential.
[0086] Improved Consumer Trust: The transparency and traceability features give consumers confidence in product origins, supporting food safety compliance and encouraging responsible consumption.
[0087] Streamlined Dispute Resolution: By integrating smart contracts with conditional payment releases, the platform reduces the likelihood of disputes and automates their resolution, saving time and costs.
[0088] The Blockchain-Enabled Cloud Marketplace for Agriculture introduces a revolutionary platform that enhances transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the agricultural marketplace. By leveraging blockchain technology for secure and immutable transaction records, cloud computing for real-time data access, and smart contracts for automated and conditional execution of agreements, this invention addresses the critical challenges faced by farmers and buyers. It facilitates a fair and direct connection between stakeholders, ensuring equitable profit distribution and increased market reach for farmers while enhancing traceability and trust for consumers and buyers. This platform stands to transform agricultural commerce, empowering farmers and fostering a sustainable and resilient agricultural ecosystem.
[0089] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
[0090] Thus, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub-combinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.
, Claims:1. A Blockchain-Enabled Cloud Marketplace for Agriculture, comprising:
a cloud computing infrastructure configured to store and manage data associated with agricultural transactions;
a blockchain network operatively linked to the cloud computing infrastructure for creating a decentralized, immutable ledger that records all transaction data between users on the marketplace;
a smart contract engine configured to execute automated agreements between transacting parties based on predefined conditions; and
a user interface accessible via mobile devices or computers, enabling farmers, buyers, and suppliers to list, purchase, and monitor agricultural products and services.
2. The Blockchain-Enabled Cloud Marketplace for Agriculture of claim 1, wherein the cloud computing infrastructure provides real-time data updates for market prices, crop availability, transaction status, and supply chain logistics.
3. The Blockchain-Enabled Cloud Marketplace for Agriculture of claim 1, wherein the blockchain network is configured to ensure transparency and prevent alteration of recorded transaction data, thereby enhancing trust among farmers, buyers, and suppliers.
4. The Blockchain-Enabled Cloud Marketplace for Agriculture of claim 1, wherein the smart contract engine:
enables automated payments to farmers upon verified delivery of agricultural products, and
ensures buyers receive their ordered products according to the conditions specified in the smart contract.
5. The Blockchain-Enabled Cloud Marketplace for Agriculture of claim 1, further comprising a supply chain tracking module that leverages blockchain technology to monitor the movement and origin of agricultural products from the farm to the consumer.
6. The Blockchain-Enabled Cloud Marketplace for Agriculture of claim 5, wherein the supply chain tracking module provides consumers with access to traceability information about the origin, handling, and quality of agricultural products.
7. The Blockchain-Enabled Cloud Marketplace for Agriculture of claim 1, wherein the user interface provides an intuitive, user-friendly interface for uploading crop data, tracking inventory, accessing market information, and executing transactions.
8. The Blockchain-Enabled Cloud Marketplace for Agriculture of claim 1, wherein the marketplace facilitates direct connections between farmers and buyers, thereby reducing reliance on intermediaries and increasing profit margins for farmers.
9. A method of conducting transactions in an agricultural marketplace, comprising:
storing transaction-related data on a cloud-based server;
executing and recording each transaction on a blockchain network to create an immutable, transparent ledger;
automatically triggering payments and product releases using smart contracts upon fulfillment of predefined conditions;
enabling supply chain tracking from farm to consumer via blockchain; and
providing real-time access to market data and transaction status for farmers, buyers, and suppliers.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the stored transaction-related data includes information about crop type, quantity, pricing, and harvest timing, uploaded by farmers via a mobile device or computer.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the blockchain network is configured to prevent unauthorized modifications to transaction records, ensuring transaction integrity.
12. The method of claim 9, further comprising providing consumers with access to traceability information, allowing them to view the origin and quality of purchased agricultural products.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein the smart contracts automate compliance with purchase agreements, ensuring that payment is issued to the farmer only upon delivery confirmation, and that the buyer receives the product as specified.

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