Addressing the Environmental Challenge

Rice cultivation has been characterized by the Greek Government as particularly water-intensive, while the project area (Axios Delta) forms part of the NATURA 2000 protected areas. Therefore, the rational management of irrigation water supplied by the Axios River, together with the avoidance of unnecessary water use practices, contributes to the protection of natural water resources.

Reduced water consumption also decreases the risk of nitrate and agrochemical leaching into nearby water bodies, such as the sea and groundwater aquifers. According to research conducted by the University of Patras, climate change in Greece is expected to lead to a 5–9% decrease in rainfall and an increase in temperature of 3–4.5°C in the coming years, adversely affecting the agricultural sector.

According to data from the Chalastra–Kalochori water management authority, approximately 1,200 m³ of water are consumed to irrigate one hectare of rice over a 100-day cultivation period, while the Joint Ministerial Decision specifies limits ranging from 1,122 to 1,344 m³ of water per year. Consequently, a total of approximately 286,600,800 m³ of water is consumed annually for the irrigation of 238,834 hectares of rice cultivation in Central Macedonia (MinRDF, 2020). Any increase in drought conditions is expected to impose severe restrictions and necessitate changes in rice irrigation management practices.

Through the implementation of sensors and an automated information system, SISRICE is expected to improve water management and achieve an approximate 10% reduction in annual water consumption.