Indeed, the integration of digital in the agricultural sector aims to modernize agricultural practices and improve the lives of Moroccan farmers, in direct response to the objectives of the two foundations of the Generation Green strategy which embodies the commitment of the Department of Agriculture. agriculture towards modern, enduring and innovative agriculture.
It is with this in mind that the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Growth and Water and Forests created the digital pole of agriculture, forestry and the Observatory of drought to support the roadmap of the Generation Green strategy, with a view to the year 2030, around 50% of Moroccan agriculture will be based on Digital with two million farmers connected.
Thus, this Cluster is structured around four components, namely, the digitalization of the agricultural and forestry sector, the drought observatory, South-South cooperation, and also the center for the inclusion of women in land.
To do this, the Digital Center intends, among other things, to boost the ecosystem of digital innovation and research in Agritech, produce and make available relevant information on the occurrence, development and forecasting of drought episodes., promote and strengthen the development of the agricultural sectors of southern countries via programs for the exchange of experiences and sharing of resources, as well as the establishment of an observatory of gendered land data, provide support to women in exercise and defence of their land rights and public policies for gender-sensitive land.
Created in 2023, this digital center is a public interest group (GIP) made up of eleven actors representing the public and private sectors whose mission is to lead the shift towards agriculture 4.0, attractive to young people, which attracts investment and promotes the creation and development of Moroccan start-ups competitive nationally and internationally, underlined the director of the Pole, Loubna El Mansouri who spoke during the launch of its first edition of Digital Horse Day, organized on the sidelines of the 15th Salon du Cheval, under the theme “the equine industry in the digital age”.
“The digital cluster for agriculture, forestry and drought observatory aims to be a convergence hub to accelerate the emergence of a structured and collaborative national agridigital ecosystem, capable of promoting co-development with all partners public and private,” she said in a statement to MAP on this occasion.
And to further promote the various missions entrusted to the Digital Agriculture Pole,the latter was offered a stand at the El Jadida Horse Show (October 1-6) which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.
Likewise,visitors to the Show this year were treated to technological demonstrations initiated by the Digital Center stand and dedicated to the equine industry,illustrating different applications of digital innovations serving the industry. An chance also to observe and learn closely about the functioning of this institution and its working methods.
In collaboration with renowned startups, the Digital Center stand notably offered intelligent cameras for real-time monitoring of horses, a trilingual chatbot based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), offering personalized assistance 24/7 to breeders and stable managers, an integrated management software package (ERP) for stables, as well as a connected robot for managing horse feeding, in addition to a 3D educational simulation, an immersive platform for learning equine anatomy through realistic 3D models.
In a statement to MAP, Carlos Vuillemin, from the innovation office of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), highlighted the collaboration between the FAO and the Digital Pole for development of agriculture in Morocco which is part of the Generation Green 2023 strategy, noting that the FAO innovation office is “very happy” to be able to support and facilitate the organization of the Horse Show, an event which allows us to highlight digital innovations in the agricultural sector which continues to gain momentum in Morocco.
Organized under the high patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, the El Jadida Horse Show, which has become over the years a mandatory platform for meetings and exchanges between the different stakeholders in the equine sector, allows to highlight the rich equine cultural heritage of the Kingdom and the multiple uses of the horse at sporting, cultural or festive levels.
Initiated by the Horse show Association, this event, which has acquired an ever-growing national and international reputation, offers a rich and diverse scientific, cultural and fun program.
How is digitalization transforming teh agricultural sector in Morocco under the Generation Green strategy?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Agritech Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day, everyone! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Amina El-Hassani, an expert in agricultural technology, who has been closely following the transformative efforts in Morocco’s agricultural sector. Welcome, Dr. El-Hassani!
Dr. Amina El-Hassani (AE): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to talk about the advancements in Moroccan agriculture.
TNE: let’s dive right in.Can you share with us how the Generation Green strategy aims to modernize agricultural practices in Morocco?
AE: Absolutely! The Generation Green strategy is a comprehensive plan laid out by Morocco’s Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime fisheries, Rural Growth and Water and Forests. Its primary aim is to modernize the agricultural sector to improve productivity and the overall quality of life for Moroccan farmers. By integrating digital technologies, we anticipate significant enhancements in farming techniques and resource management.
TNE: That’s fascinating! You mentioned the Ministry’s initiative to create a digital pole of agriculture. Could you elaborate on how this digital integration will support Moroccan farmers?
AE: Certainly! The digital pole will not only focus on the digitalization of agriculture but also include a drought observatory, which is crucial for managing water resources effectively, especially in a region prone to droughts. The goal is for around 50% of Moroccan agriculture to integrate digital solutions by 2030, connecting up to two million farmers. This connectivity will enable them to access real-time facts, which can dramatically improve crop yield and sustainability.
TNE: It sounds like a monumental shift! What specific technologies or innovations do you foresee being implemented through this digitalization?
AE: We’re looking at a range of technologies from request-based platforms that provide data analytics for crop management to precision farming tools that help farmers monitor soil health and weather patterns. Additionally, the development of Agritech will foster a network of innovations that can support sustainable practices and efficient farming.
TNE: You also mentioned the inclusion of women in land and agricultural development.How significant is that aspect of the Generation Green strategy?
AE: It’s incredibly significant! The center for the inclusion of women in land aims to empower female farmers and ensure that they have equal access to resources, training, and digital tools.Women play a crucial role in agriculture, and by supporting thier inclusion, we can enhance the overall productivity and resilience of rural communities.
TNE: There’s a clear emphasis on cooperation, especially South-South cooperation. Can you explain how this can benefit Morocco’s agricultural sector?
AE: South-south cooperation is about sharing knowledge, expertise, and technologies among developing countries. For Morocco, engaging with other countries facing similar agricultural challenges can led to innovative solutions that are culturally and contextually relevant. this cooperation can also create networks for trade and resource sharing, which can substantially boost agricultural resilience.
TNE: Before we wrap up, what do you envision as the biggest challenge in implementing these changes, and how can they be overcome?
AE: One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that farmers, especially those in rural areas, can access the necessary infrastructure and training to utilize these digital tools effectively.To overcome this, a strong emphasis must be placed on education and capacity-building initiatives, supported by government and private sector partnerships.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. El-Hassani, for sharing your insights into morocco’s agricultural transformation. It’s clear that digital integration can pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for farmers. we look forward to seeing the grate impact these initiatives will have!
AE: Thank you for having me! I’m optimistic about the future of Moroccan agriculture and the role that digital innovation will play.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for tuning in to this engaging discussion. Stay tuned for more insights from the world of agriculture and innovation!