The National Institute of Agricultural Research Presents New Varieties Supporting Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture
The National Institute of Agricultural Research and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas organized an informational field day at the experimental station in Merchouch, Khémisset province, as part of the implementation of the “Green Generation 2020-2030” strategy. This event, chaired by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests Ahmed Bouaouari, was attended by approximately 350 participants from various institutional, professional, agricultural, and media backgrounds.
The gathering showcased genetic advancements in the development of new varieties of cereals, legumes, and fodder, allowing stakeholders to closely examine their agricultural and technological characteristics, aimed at adoption by farmers and seed production companies. The significance of these innovations in addressing the water scarcity challenges facing Morocco was highlighted, as they improve productivity and enhance the sector’s ability to adapt to climate change.
The National Institute of Agricultural Research presented a platform featuring 110 first-generation varieties and 45 second-generation ones, cultivated over an area exceeding 55 hectares, aiming to accelerate the commercial adoption process of these varieties. This day also served as an opportunity to present the results of the joint “INRA-ICARDA MCGP” program, which combines direct seeding and crop rotation with legumes, achieving yields exceeding 30 quintals per hectare of hay, with the potential to add over 20 quintals using limited supplementary irrigation.
The meeting also showcased a prototype of the locally manufactured hydroponics system “Simple-Tech,” along with a new barley variety called “Hydroponika,” designed for fodder production in soil-less cultivation systems, representing a significant shift towards more efficient resource utilization.
This activity is part of an ambitious research program aiming to develop between 30 and 50 high-performing varieties by 2030 and expand direct seeding area to one million hectares, with the goal of increasing the productivity of staple crops by at least 50%. These initiatives seek to strengthen the competitiveness of the agricultural sector and ensure its sustainability amid the challenges of climate change and natural resource scarcity.
