For sustainable agriculture in Hungary
The aim of the UD_AGR_REPO (Improving research potential of the Institution for Land Utilization, Technology and Regional Development on the field of GIS, precision agriculture, land use and regional development) project was to improve the region's agriculture. The Institution for Land Utilization, Technology and Regional Development (ILTR) is the co-ordinator of agricultural higher education, research and technical advice in Eastern Hungary. The project worked with agricultural producers to establish a geo-informatic technical and advisory system, which supported environment-friendly and efficient agro-technological interventions. The developed system is suitable for the detailed, plot-scale analysis of production site circumstances and yield, as well as the spatial-temporal evaluation of production technology parameters. UD_AGR_REPO laid the scientific foundations for rational land-use and environmentally sound agriculture. Researchers used geographic information system (GIS) techniques to form the basis of a sustainable agricultural economy within the North Great Plain region of Hungary. Project partners improved the efficiency of agricultural production and the adaptation of environmentally sound management in the region. ILTR also assumed the role of an educational, research and consulting centre for the region and coordinated and fostered development efforts in surrounding countries. Practical experience achieved through the project such as developing a database, planning a GIS, adapting production technologies and networking with EU institutions and farmers, also benefited young researchers. Research results facilitated effective land use and improved regional development. This was achieved while ensuring that the interventions were environmentally friendly and met the requirements for sustainable farming. UD_AGR_REPO also enhanced the research potential of ILTR and contributed to EU research activities in regional development, GIS and agricultural land use advisory.
Keywords
Agriculture, land use, regional development, geographic information system, North Great Plain
