Tunisia's agricultural sector is set to benefit from the latest version of the Irey Aqua application, designed to optimize irrigation management and reduce water consumption. The fourth generation of Irey Aqua, unveiled on September 18, 2026, in Tunis, extends the use of this digital platform to vegetable crops. Developed by the National Institute of Large Crops (INGC), Irey Aqua aims to provide farmers with precise indications for irrigation scheduling, thereby conserving water resources.
The new version of Irey Aqua is a collaborative effort between the General Directorate of Rural Engineering and Water Exploitation (DGGREE), INGC, and the Italian National Research Council's Institute of Bioeconomy (CNR-IBE). The project is part of the Presto initiative, supported by the Italian Cooperation, which focuses on enhancing the resilience of Tunisian agriculture to climate change. Presto has a budget of 2.8 million euros and operates in the governorates of Bizerte, Nabeul, Jendouba, and Mahdia.
Irey Aqua utilizes data from various sources, including agrometeorological stations, soil moisture and salinity probes, pilot plots, satellite data, and water and soil analyses. By leveraging these data, the application provides farmers with informed decisions on irrigation frequency and duration, optimizing water usage. The extension of Irey Aqua to vegetable crops was identified as a key tool in addressing water stress in the agricultural sector.
The Presto project goes beyond digitalization, with the installation of drip irrigation systems on 26 sites and the promotion of non-conventional water resource recovery solutions. These solutions include the enhancement of wastewater and brackish water treatment facilities for agricultural reuse. The project's comprehensive approach aims to strengthen local communities' and institutions' capacity to adapt to climate change and manage natural resources sustainably.
The development of Irey Aqua's fourth generation demonstrates the evolution of a pre-existing Tunisian tool, adapted to meet the specific needs of vegetable crops and data-driven irrigation management. The application's expansion is expected to contribute significantly to reducing water consumption and enhancing agricultural resilience in Tunisia.
An atelier held on September 18, 2026, brought together representatives from Tunisian agricultural institutions, research organizations, and regional structures involved in the Presto project. The event showcased the latest advancements in Irey Aqua and provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the project's outcomes and future directions.
The successful implementation of Irey Aqua and the Presto project's initiatives are expected to have a lasting impact on Tunisia's agricultural sector. By promoting sustainable water management practices and enhancing agricultural resilience, these efforts will contribute to the country's long-term food security and environmental sustainability.
Key points
- Irey Aqua's expansion to vegetable crops aims to reduce water consumption and enhance agricultural resilience in Tunisia.
- The Presto project has a budget of 2.8 million euros and operates in four Tunisian governorates.
- Irey Aqua utilizes data from various sources to provide farmers with informed decisions on irrigation management.
