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The Monitora project: an intelligent solution for agriculture

27/02/2025

Press release
OI Pomodoro da Industria Nord Italia
Italy,
WPTC
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The Monitora project, funded by the PDR of Piedmont (Italy), has developed a web-based decision-support platform for irrigation and protection of tomato, onion and potato crops. The platform, the fruit of a partnership between Cadir Lab, the University of Turin, Fondazione Agrion, Auroras and OI Pomodoro da Industria del Nord Italia, enables farmers to:
  Consult weather data: the platform relies on a network of physical and meteorological stations to provide accurate, up-to-date weather information.
  Assess irrigation needs: Monitora helps farmers determine the water requirements of their crops, optimizing water use and reducing costs.
Receive alerts: the system alerts farmers to favorable conditions for disease development or specific water requirements.
  Keep a computerized field notebook: the platform provides a tool for recording and tracking farming activities.
  Access an archive of phytosanitary reports: technicians can consult and share reports on crop health.
  Exchange information: a forum enables users to share their experience and knowledge.
 
 Field trials have demonstrated Monitora's effectiveness, particularly in tomato cultivation:
  Reduced water consumption: up to 51 mm of water saved per hectare, the equivalent of a semi-Olympic swimming pool.
  Reduction in irrigation system operating time: a reduction of 54 hours, resulting in savings of 1,200 to 1,600 euros.
  Maintain or improve gross income per hectare: Monitora offers economic benefits comparable to, or even superior to, traditional irrigation methods.
  Crop protection: the system warns of disease risks, making it possible to avoid up to 6 treatments, with significant environmental and economic benefits.
 
The Monitora project offers an innovative solution to help farmers make informed decisions about irrigation and crop protection. It promotes a balance between economic and environmental sustainability, while optimizing water use and reducing costs. The platform will remain active for the next five years, with the hope of extending it to other areas.
 
Sources: oipomodoronorditalia.i