HAVANA, Cuba, Jun 24 (ACN) The ACQUA CAMPUS initiative, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), represents a significant advance for Cuban agriculture in the context of climate change and water scarcity in the country.
Born at the International Fair for professionals working in the fruit and vegetable sector, held in Italy, this project is based on the implementation of advanced smart irrigation and agricultural monitoring technologies, facilitated by the Emiliano Romagnolo Canal (CER) and AICS.
Gioele Chiari, a researcher at CER, explained that ACQUA CAMPUS introduces a precision irrigation system that combines weather stations and soil moisture and temperature sensors to collect real-time data.
This data allows for the issuance of personalized irrigation advice and irrigation systems for each type of crop, whether drip or sprinkler, optimizing water use and reducing operating costs, the expert noted. Furthermore, the project’s focus is not only on improving water efficiency but also on promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture, which is vital for addressing changing climate conditions in Cuba.
Yoandra Alvarez Echeverria, a project beneficiary at the “La Yoandra” farm in the Arroyo Naranjo municipality in Havana, commented that since its founding in 1999, the farm has developed a botanical garden with more than 120 fruit species and promotes chemical-free circular agriculture based on biofertilizers and meliponiculture.
The organizations involved believe that ACQUA CAMPUS represents an ideal pillar for the farm’s sustainability, as it will strengthen its capacity to manage irrigation efficiently and sustainably, benefiting both the ecosystem and the local community.
This project is part of the HAB.AMA strategy, which seeks to improve food security in Havana municipalities through technological innovation and international cooperation.
It also aims to strengthen the knowledge and resources transfer for Cuban agriculture, with a comprehensive approach that includes technology, training, and international cooperation.
Cuba – Cuban News Agency
