As climate stress intensifies, Malta’s farmers face an old problem in urgent new ways: how to grow more with less water.
At the MaYA Agri-Tech Ideathon, two teams approached this challenge from complementary angles — smart infrastructure and smart cooperation.
One group designed an AI-supported rainwater collection and distribution network to better allocate scarce water resources. Sensors and forecasts would help farmers share and reuse water efficiently, protecting soil health and easing pressure on aquifers.
Another team went deeper into mindset and practice, advocating “Farming with Nature, Not Against It.” They envisioned digital tools that combine AI-based forecasting with regenerative knowledge exchange — helping farmers plan crops, manage soil health, and learn from each other.
Together, these ideas reflect a future where data and trust go hand in hand. Technology becomes a quiet ally in building resilient, cooperative agricultural ecosystems.
As Malta’s PoliRuralPlus pilot evolves, these water-smart ideas will feed into both regional action planning and future EU collaborations - ensuring that innovation and sustainability flow together.
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