On March 27, FONTAGRO successfully held the webinar “Conceptual frameworks and technologies for optimized water use management in agriculture,” which addressed key advancements and tools for improving water use efficiency in agriculture across Latin America and the Caribbean.
The event brought together experts and representatives from international organizations such as the Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA Chile), the University of Castilla-La Mancha, the Regional Development Institute of Spain, and the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, who shared their experiences and insights on sustainable water management in agriculture.
In a context where more than 17 million smallholder farmers face increasing water-related challenges, finding solutions that support food security and biodiversity is essential. The webinar covered critical topics such as water scarcity, which directly impacts agricultural production in several countries throughout the region. Participants emphasized the integration of advanced technologies, such as satellite imagery, which enable precise crop monitoring and more informed irrigation decisions.
A highlight of the session was the presentation of HidroMORE Web, an innovative tool designed to help identify the water needs of crops, thereby optimizing irrigation efficiency through a data-driven approach. Additionally, a model was introduced for analyzing soil moisture variations, a crucial factor in managing water resources more effectively and adapting to diverse cultivation conditions.
The event stressed the importance of a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders in the agri-food sector, as well as the need to train young professionals in emerging technologies for measuring transpiration. These efforts not only improve water management advisories but also enhance farmers’ ability to adapt to changing resource availability.
The strategies discussed during the event aim not only to optimize water use but also to promote a more resilient and competitive agriculture.
To watch the webinar recording, visit:
https://www.youtube.com/live/IdEAWUieIzE?si=5Vd9Zze5ubxCk-rA
For more information about these initiatives, visit:
https://webstories.fontagro.org/httpswwwyoutubecomwatchvderj4hvtpjw/en
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About FONTAGRO
FONTAGRO was created 1998 with the purpose of promoting the increase of the competitiveness of the agri-food sector, ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources and the reduction of poverty in the region. The objective of FONTAGRO is to establish itself as a sustainable financing mechanism for the development of agricultural technology and innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean and Spain, and to establish a forum for the discussion of priority topics of technological innovation. The member countries are: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Spain, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Uruguay and Venezuela. In the last 27 years 204 regional agricultural innovation platforms have been co-financed for an amount of US $ 150.7 million, which has reached 531 institutions and 35 countries worldwide.