Locations
In Mirogoshch, a village in the eastern part of Belarus, a farmer and entrepreneur Sergei Nikolayevich Dubyago is proving that innovation can take root even in the most traditional of settings.
After spending part of his life helping with the cleanup after the Chernobyl disaster, Sergei has now shifted his focus to the land, pouring his passion into building a thriving agro-ecotourism business. His farm boasts four hectares of vineyards, home to 25 varieties of grapes, alongside another hectare dedicated to the rather unusual pursuit of snail farming.
But it’s a recent addition that truly sets his farm apart: a SMART coop, an innovative solution for cost-effective poultry farming powered by solar panels.
How the idea came about?
The story of how this high-tech coop came to be is itself a testament to forward-thinking collaboration. Sergei and four other local farmers were invited by the Center for Innovative Development to pilot the solar-powered SMART coops. This initiative was made possible by the funding from the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Program (GEF/UNDP SGP) under the broader Agro-Innovation Initiative.
For Sergei, the project held immediate appeal. The SMART coop not only promised significant cost savings and simple maintenance but also aligned perfectly with his vision for developing agricultural and ecological tourism on his farm.
Why focus on chickens?
Chickens are some of the most popular and well-loved domestic birds. Their eggs and meat are staples in diets worldwide, and Belarus is no exception. At the beginning of 2024, the country counted nearly 50 million chickens across all types of farms.
However, traditional chicken farming is labor-intensive, demanding daily feeding, cleaning, and meticulous control of temperature and humidity. The SMART coop offers a compelling alternative. Its compact design and automation of key functions like ventilation, lighting, temperature, and humidity control make it an ideal solution, especially for smaller farms like Sergei’s.
Each SMART coop is designed for 10 birds and costs US$1,800. Yet, its efficiency is projected to pay for itself in just two years.
What makes it so ‘smart’?
The integration of solar panels is key. During the summer months, these panels fully meet the coop’s energy demands, powering everything from ventilation to lighting. This allows for up to two weeks of autonomous operation. Even during the less sunny winter months, energy-saving technologies ensure the system continues to function effectively.
As Sergei himself explains, “Solar panels reduce poultry costs by three times, and automation reduces water consumption by half.” These are substantial savings that directly impact the farm's bottom line.
Beyond cost-effectiveness, the SMART coop offers another significant advantage - an increased egg production. Automated lighting and temperature control create optimal conditions for egg-laying, extending the productive period well into late fall. Each coop can yield five to seven eggs per day - a valuable contribution for any household.
While designed primarily for chickens, the coop’s adaptability allows for raising other bird species, a particularly useful feature for diversified farms. Sergei is already looking ahead, sharing his plans to expand his poultry operation: “I plan to expand the farm into a full-fledged poultry yard. I have already started with breeding geese.”
The impact extends beyond the farm itself
Sergei has found that the SMART coop has become a major draw for tourists visiting his agro-eco farmstead Lileya. Visitors are intrigued by this innovative approach to poultry farming, eager to witness the automated feeding process firsthand, and, of course, to explore the vineyards and a snail farm. Sergei plans to capitalize on this interest by offering masterclasses in viticulture and, eventually, poultry farming. This not only enhances the appeal of his farm but also contributes to the broader development of ecotourism in the region.
The pilot SMART chicken coop stands as a powerful example of how modern technology can revitalize traditional agriculture. For Sergei, it represents more than just a technological upgrade; it’s a tangible step towards sustainable agricultural practices and compelling evidence that agricultural innovation is within reach for even small-scale farmers, playing a crucial role in comprehensive local development strategies.
