Rice as a staple crop
Rice is vital for over half of the global population.
PRIMA · Mediterranean rice research
Protecting Mediterranean rice-based agro-ecosystems
PROMEDRICE develops and fosters site-specific agricultural practices that reduce soil and water contamination while maintaining productivity and water-use efficiency.
10
Partners
6
Countries
30%
Of freshwater used by rice
1.3M
Hectares of Mediterranean paddies
The project
Eco-friendly practices for sustainable rice and water resources.
PROMEDRICE aims to develop and foster the adoption of site-specific agricultural practices that reduce the contamination and salinization of soil and water bodies while maintaining or improving productivity and water-use efficiency in Mediterranean rice-based agroecosystems.
Building on the success of MEDWATERICE, the project introduces innovative irrigation methods — dry seeding, alternate wetting and drying, and drip irrigation — that save water while sustaining yields.
Read the full projectWhy it matters
Rice feeds the world — but its cultivation puts soil and water under pressure.
Water use in cultivation
Rice farming consumes 24–30% of global freshwater withdrawals.
Environmental challenges
Proper irrigation management reduces pollution and soil degradation.
PROMEDRICE goals
Develop eco-friendly practices and evidence for sustainable management.
In the field
Seven case studies across the rice-producing Mediterranean.
The consortium
Ten partners, six countries, one shared goal.
PROMEDRICE brings together 5 universities, 3 research centres and 2 private companies (SMEs) with complementary expertise in irrigation management, crop production, environmental science, hydrogeology, edaphology, sociology and agricultural management.
Meet the partners
