Experts and Officials Outline the Future of Cereal and Legume Crops at the International Agricultural Exhibition in Meknes

Amid escalating climate challenges and global geopolitical shifts, the scientific seminar on “The Stakes of the Cereal and Legume Crop Value Chains” marked a pivotal moment within the events of the 17th edition of the International Agricultural Exhibition, held today, Thursday, April 24, in the Ismaili capital, Meknes. The seminar addressed strategic issues related to the production of cereals and legumes, as well as prospects for supplying the national market amid the reality of “structural drought” and overlapping international crises.

Towards Genuine Food Sovereignty…

During a panel discussion attended by a select group of professionals and researchers, Mr. Omar Al-Yaacoubi, President of the National Federation of Grain and Legume Traders, reiterated a key demand of sector professionals: increasing the storage subsidy from 5 to 7 dirhams per quintal. He also called for bolstering national production and strengthening its ecosystem.

Al-Yaacoubi highlighted the importance of establishing a secure strategic stockpile of grains to reduce dependence on volatile international markets, especially in light of the repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine war, shipping and transport crises, and successive years of drought that have severely affected Moroccan agricultural lands. He reminded attendees that market fluctuations are not a recent phenomenon but have been ongoing since the 2008 crisis, necessitating the adoption of a long-term vision.

New Mechanisms for Supply and Storage...

For his part, Mr. Bilal Hajjouji, Director of the National Office for Cereals and Legumes, outlined several mechanisms guiding the Office’s work to ensure the market is supplied with sufficient quantities of cereals and legumes. He stressed that this challenge can only be met through a comprehensive framework, including the development of agricultural scientific research, the adoption of direct seeding techniques, and the monitoring of storage through advanced technological means.

Hajjouji pointed out that achieving self-sufficiency in the cereal and legume production chains is a strategic objective within the “Green Generation 2030” vision, emphasizing that the Office’s supervision of tender announcements aims to promote transparency and stimulate local production.

Encouraging Results from Scientific Research…

The scientific community had a strong presence at this seminar, particularly with the intervention of researcher Mouha Frahi, Head of the Genetic Improvement and Genetic Resources Conservation Department at the National Institute of Agricultural Research. Frahi presented precise field data highlighting the effectiveness of research programs in developing drought-resistant grain varieties. He confirmed that field studies conducted across several Moroccan regions yielded encouraging results.

Direct Seeding as the Key to Sustainable Agriculture...

In the same vein, Dr. Rachid Moussadek , a distinguished researcher at the National Institute of Agricultural Research and ICARDA, and the national coordinator of the Direct Seeding Project, delivered a significant presentation on the importance of this agricultural model in preserving water resources and soil. He emphasized its vital role in adapting to drought conditions and stabilizing agricultural production without depleting fragile ecosystems.

Dr. Rachid reported very positive outcomes, including yield increases ranging from 30% to 100% even under drought conditions, significant improvements in water use efficiency, and a 25% increase in soil organic content. These results strengthen confidence in Morocco’s ability to overcome climate challenges through science and knowledge.

This scientific seminar in Meknes sounded the alarm for transformation, embodying a collective awareness of the need to invest in knowledge and scientific research, and to mobilize resources for robust national production and genuine food sovereignty.

#Meknes24: Naoual belgal