Expected results

The confirmation of the expected results of the Operational Plan will signal the adoption of an alternative protocol for the management and utilization of rice crop residues, which is part of the exercise of Good Agricultural Practices in sustainable rice cultivation. The application of such an innovative protocol will provide added value to the produced rice as well as to the by-products of the crop, solving the problems of increasing diseases.

Also, depending on the amount of penetration in the producers’ residue management practices, it is able to reduce the problems arising from the burning of rice straw, which in many cases is still followed by producers as a last resort to fight diseases, burdening the populated areas neighboring the rice fields (West Thessaloniki, Chalastra, Kalochori, Chalkidona, Provatas Serron, etc.).

Finally, the utilization of by-products serves the principles of the circular economy and reduces the environmental footprint of rice cultivation. Moreover, such an innovative approach is part of the basic guidelines for practicing sustainable production and is based on the use of material practices that integrate parts of the agricultural system into the overall ecosystem.