Hidroconta Leads an Innovative Project for Efficient Irrigation Management in Nestorio
Nestorio, Greece – Hidroconta, in collaboration with its client and local partner Landco, has successfully completed a project in Nestorio, northern Greece. The main objective: to optimize irrigation management and water costs in the agricultural sector. This innovative prepaid system required the creation of a comprehensive solution, including both specialized hardware and a custom-designed mobile application for the end user.
According to Stavroula Xekalaki, an agricultural engineer and project manager, the initiative addressed a critical need: “The primary need was to optimize the management of the irrigation network by the Local Community, ensuring responsible water use and avoiding billing errors. The area was experiencing serious problems with irrigation water administration. The old open network caused constant losses, leading to shortages and conflicts among farmers over the resource allocation. Furthermore, billing errors were frequent. These were some of the problems the initiative sought to solve”.
The project, which began in early 2025, has been a significant challenge for Hidroconta. The need, raised by Landco, demanded a solution that not only integrated the supply of advanced equipment but also the development of a new application for farmers to manage their irrigation autonomously, many of whom have limited digital skills. The goal was to empower them with a simple and effective tool.
For this project, Hidroconta supplied 84 Quantum prepaid units, installed in the field by the distributor Landco. Each Quantum prepaid station is a complete solution that integrates a Predator water meter, a Leopard valve, and a Demeter remote unit equipped with NFC connectivity. These units were specifically designed for the client, adapting the electronics of the Demeter remote to include an advanced prepaid system.
“The solution proposed by Hidroconta proved to be the most suitable to address the aforementioned challenges,” says Stavroula Xekalaki. “Quantum devices were installed at both existing and new water points, created specifically to meet the needs of the area. These units were configured to adapt to the particular conditions of the region. With the system’s implementation, the Local Community will be able to monitor each farmer’s water consumption, apply fair billing based on actual use, and, in general, improve irrigation management, avoiding losses and waste”.
The Quantum system sends data to the cloud via Hidroconta’s 3COM technology, which offers three different communication protocols (NB-IoT, LTE-M, or GPRS) to adapt to the client’s preferences. This allows the overall project manager to monitor and check consumption in real-time, as well as detect potential equipment failures. In addition, the system communicates with the irrigator’s mobile phone via NFC, facilitating its use in the field. Quantum also incorporates a solar panel that guarantees stable and prolonged battery life.
The true innovation lies in the software: the Quantum prepaid APP, developed in record time. This application allows farmers to autonomously control their water consumption. In the interface, cubic meters are converted into a balance, allowing the user to decide how much water they want to spend in each irrigation cycle, thus promoting greater awareness of water usage. “Each farmer will have the possibility to manage their irrigation through the Hidroconta application, which will help reduce the conflicts that used to arise,” adds Xekalaki.
Tangible Benefits and Successful Results
Following an initial sample shipment in May, the project is in its final phase. The first results have already demonstrated the key benefits of the solution, which are directly manifested for users:
- Cost Control: Farmers now have a clear and direct view of their water expenditure.
- Autonomous Management: The simplified system allows users to manage their irrigation efficiently without the need for advanced technical knowledge.
- Responsible Use: The prepaid system encourages conscious water use, optimizing this vital resource.
Regarding the service and collaboration, Xekalaki highlights the work of the Hidroconta team: “Throughout the entire project, the Hidroconta team provided constant support, demonstrating great willingness to quickly resolve any issues. They offered both remote and on-site assistance. Our experience has been very positive, and we are fully satisfied with the collaboration we have maintained”.
The Quantum prepaid APP joins Hidroconta’s successful portfolio of applications, which includes Hidroconta Metering (for remote meter reading) and Demeter APP (for viewing valves and sensors). With projects like this, Hidroconta consolidates its position as a leader in the development of technological solutions for intelligent and sustainable water management.
