Thus, the first prize was awarded to Mohamed Baghrous and Jamal Baghrous for their project “TAYSSIR SYSTEMS”, an initiative aimed at developing an agricultural robot to optimize the health and productivity of date palm trees thanks to artificial intelligence and Iot.
This robot identifies poorly irrigated palm trees as well as diseases such as Bayoud in real time, allowing farmers to intervene quickly via instant notifications and thus strengthening proactive plantation management.
The second prize went to Abderrahim Sadkaoui and Mouhamed Fadil for their “BEESMART” project, which offers a solution designed for beekeepers allowing them to permanently and continuously monitor their colonies.
Thanks to a module adaptable to any type of hive, “BEESMART” collects valuable data on hive conditions. This information is used to evaluate the state of the colony, predict its behavior and thus allow beekeepers to anticipate and better manage their hives.
The third prize was awarded to Mona Alami and Ayoub Alaoui for their “FERTIDEV” project relating to intelligent electromechanical composters designed for various sectors (hotels, industries and agriculture) in order to efficiently transform their organic waste into natural compost.
The “Jury’s Favorite” prize rewarded Morad El Goujili and Hajar Echchellaoui for their “SIMPOWER” project, relating to the design and production of an electric mini-tractor. This compact vehicle offers an environmentally friendly alternative suitable for various agricultural tasks while imposing operational costs and promoting energy efficiency.
The first three winning projects will benefit from specific support to help them land their first client or raise funds.
In a statement to the press, the general director of the ADA, El Mahdi Arrifi, noted that this 2nd edition aroused the interest of 380 project leaders, from different regions of Morocco and abroad, indicating that 26 projects, led by 43 young future entrepreneurs, were selected for an intensive support program over a period of five months.
Participants benefited from five Bootcamps, online coaching sessions, personalized mentoring, as well as access to the cutting-edge infrastructure of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), he added, indicating that the UM6P mobilized its research infrastructures for the benefit of young people, including the Fablab, the experimental farm, the School of Architecture, and the Green Energy Park, in order to help participants develop their prototypes.
And to emphasize that this competition is part of the “Green Generation 2020-2030” strategy, which attaches great importance to the creation of job positions and the encouragement of innovative projects likely to contribute to the modernization of Moroccan agriculture.
In a similar statement, the winner of the first prize, Mohamed Baghrous stressed that this competition was an enriching experience for him, with quality training and access to the advanced infrastructures of the UM6P, noting that this prize will be a motivation for him for the realization of his future projects.
In a similar statement, Mona Alami (winner of the second prize), expressed her joy at being one of the 03 winners of this prize, believing that this prize will give her more ambitions to move forward to realize her idea and pass at the marketing stage.
The expert in the field of sustainable development, Meriem Houzir, member of the jury of this competition, noted that all the projects are innovative and are likely to contribute in a very operational way to the transition towards sustainable and resilient agriculture in Morocco. and provide tools and solutions for the benefit of farmers and the entire ecosystem.
Organized in partnership with the Korean-World Bank Partnership Facility and the UM6P, this competition is part of the implementation of the youth entrepreneurship program, one of the main axes of the “Green Generation 2020-2030” strategy. “, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests.
As a reminder, the national competition “AGRIYOUNG INNOVATE” aims to boost the entrepreneurial ecosystem in rural areas, by encouraging young people to develop projects in the areas of digital and climate-smart agriculture.
It thus contributes to the modernization of the Moroccan agricultural sector and the improvement of its resilience in the face of future challenges while opening promising prospects for the future of young entrepreneurs.
Time.news Interview: Fostering Innovation in Agriculture with AI and IoT
Interviewer [Time.news Editor]: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. We are thrilled to have an expert in agricultural technology with us, Dr. Sarah El Mansouri, who has been closely following the recent innovations in the field. Dr. El Mansouri, let’s dive into the exciting outcomes of the recent competition showcasing innovative projects in agriculture. What were your thoughts on the winners?
Dr. Sarah El Mansouri: Thank you for having me! The winners of this competition truly represent the future of agriculture in Morocco and beyond. The fact that projects like “TAYSSIR SYSTEMS,” which utilizes AI and IoT to improve date palm health, can drastically change the landscape is remarkable. Mohamed and Jamal Baghrous have harnessed cutting-edge technology to provide real-time data to farmers, enabling them to act swiftly against issues like irrigation deficiencies and diseases such as Bayoud.
Interviewer: It’s fascinating to see how technology plays a role in traditional agriculture. For instance, how do you think the “TAYSSIR SYSTEMS” project will change the way farmers manage their crops?
Dr. El Mansouri: “TAYSSIR SYSTEMS” is a game-changer in proactive plantation management. Traditionally, farmers would rely on their experience or intermittent checks of their fields. With this robotic solution, they can now receive instant notifications about their palm trees’ health, significantly reducing the time it takes to address problems. This shift from reactive to proactive management not only boosts productivity but also enhances the sustainability of their practices.
Interviewer: Absolutely! The role of technology in supporting agriculture is also echoed in the “BEESMART” project, aimed at beekeepers. Could you explain its significance?
Dr. El Mansouri: The ”BEESMART” project led by Abderrahim Sadkaoui and Mouhamed Fadil is equally vital. Monitoring bee colonies is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems, and this project’s adaptability means it can be utilized across various hive types. By collecting and analyzing data regarding hive conditions, beekeepers can better predict and manage their colonies, enhancing both honey production and bee welfare. It’s a remarkable step towards integrating innovation into sustainable beekeeping practices.
Interviewer: And the third prize went to “FERTIDEV,” which focuses on composting. What impact do you believe intelligent electromechanical composters will have on organic waste management?
Dr. El Mansouri: The ”FERTIDEV” project tackles a crucial issue: organic waste management. Designed for multiple sectors like hotels and agriculture, these intelligent composters allow for efficient waste transformation into natural compost. This not only decreases landfill waste but also enriches soil health. As we aim for more circular economies, such technology is essential. It promotes sustainability and provides businesses with a way to manage their waste responsibly.
Interviewer: It seems the overarching theme of these projects is sustainability and efficiency. The “SIMPOWER” project, which won the Jury’s Favorite prize, also aligns with this. What are your thoughts on mini-electric tractors in agriculture?
Dr. El Mansouri: The “SIMPOWER” project represents an innovative leap in agricultural machinery. Electric mini-tractors can perform a variety of tasks while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This approach aligns perfectly with global efforts to combat climate change while addressing operational costs for farmers. By adopting such green technologies, we can enhance energy efficiency and provide farmers with a sustainable alternative to traditional machinery.
Interviewer: It’s clear that these innovations are part of a larger strategy for modernizing Moroccan agriculture. How do you see the support given to these projects influencing their success?
Dr. El Mansouri: The support from institutions like the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is pivotal. Providing an intensive five-month support program, access to resources like Fablabs and experimental farms, significantly boosts the potential of these projects to not only find their first clients but also to attract further funding. This ecosystem of innovation and mentorship is critical for young entrepreneurs to realize their visions.
Interviewer: In closing, how do you view the future of agriculture with such innovations taking center stage?
Dr. El Mansouri: We are at the brink of a technological revolution in agriculture. The combination of AI, IoT, and sustainable practices is set to redefine the industry. As we prioritize sustainability and efficiency, I genuinely believe these innovations can lead to more resilient agricultural systems. The future looks promising, and I am excited to see how these projects evolve and impact both local and global agricultural landscapes.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. El Mansouri, for sharing your insights today. It’s inspiring to see how technology can transform agriculture for the better.
Dr. El Mansouri: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for agriculture, and I’m glad to contribute to the conversation.