Use of variable application technologies to produce healthy and safer rice of local varieties
VRARICE
The current situation regarding the subject of the project
To increase the income of producers, innovative technologies are required with the aim of reducing costs through reduced inputs and the production of environmentally friendly products of high quality and value. Additionally, due to the type of cultivation, conditions are created that favor nitrification, resulting in nitrate ions (NO₃⁻) being deposited on the seeds and washed into the adjacent waters. Epidemiological data have shown an association of cancers of the digestive system and NO₃⁻ intake. For these reasons the EU established maximum permissible limits for NO₃⁻ in food and water. In rice, according to the integrated plant protection guidelines, the amount of nitrogen (N) must reach 16 units/sq.m., while the majority of producers apply from 25 to 40 units/sq.m.
The purpose of the Operational Group is to implement a rational and sustainable fertilization management service in rice cultivation using modern technologies, such as remote sensing data obtained from drones and satellite sensors, local meteorological measurements and variable rate fertilizer spreaders.
The innovation of the project
In recent years, VRA fertilizer spreaders have begun to penetrate Greek rice farming. However, they are used almost exclusively to avoid double passes during fertilization and not to vary fertilization within each paddy field, which would exploit the true potential of such machines. And this due to the lack of any scientifically validated methodology that would guarantee a minimum profit for the producer.
This Operational Plan introduces this very innovation in the production process of rice cultivation, with the creation of differentiated fertilization management zones within each rice field, depending on the actual nutritional needs of the plants. The financial analysis that will be conducted will accurately quantify the mean expected profit and the corresponding confidence intervals. At the same time, the new protocol reduces the environmental footprint of rice, creating healthier and value-added products.
Agricultural European Innovation Partnership (EIP-AGRI)
The objective of Measure 16 is to strengthen the culture of cooperation between the involved bodies with the aim of:
- strengthening the competitiveness of businesses in primary production (agricultural holdings) in the food sector, mainly local products but also as well as
- the search for new cultivation practices and production practices that contribute to the protection of the environment but also to adaptation to climate change.
Through the partnerships that will be developed, the opportunity will be given to utilize new technologies and innovative processes for:
- the production of safer and healthier food.
- the reduction of water consumption and in general the cost of inputs for economic and environmental benefit
- ensuring the uniqueness of certified agricultural products
