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Business Standard
9 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
OCP Foundation and ISAP Launch Project ACE at College of Agriculture, Kalaburagi to Support 5,000 Farmers with Sustainable Training
BusinessWire India Kalaburagi (Karnataka) [India], June 17: OCP Nutricrops and OCP Foundation are reinforcing their commitment to Indian farmers with a new skilling and capacity building initiative in Karnataka, with plans to expand to Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Jointly launched by OCP Foundation and ISAP India Foundation with the support of OCP Nutricrops, Project ACE - Agri Capacity Enhancement - aims to strengthen sustainable farming practices and financial empowerment, at a time of renewed focus by Prime Minister Modi. As part of OCP Group, the world's leading producer of phosphate-based fertilizers, OCP Foundation and OCP Nutricrops are both committed to strengthening global food security through innovation, sustainable agricultural practices, and inclusive support for farming communities worldwide. Project ACE is set to benefit 5,000 farmers across all training sessions and is part of a broader initiative that promotes sustainable agriculture to enhance food and nutritional security while improving the livelihoods of small and medium-scale farmers in India. Combining field demonstrations, community development, and applied research with local universities, this overarching project supports farmer organizations, empowers rural communities, and creates conditions for scalable impact. This project aligns closely with the vision of "Viksit Bharat", which envisages India's graduation to a developed economy status by 2047 -- the 100th year of independence. It is built around a three-fold capacity-building approach: * Nutrient management: Improving crop yields and soil fertility through balanced fertilization, efficient application techniques, and awareness on sourcing quality inputs; * Water management: Promoting sustainable practices such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and soil moisture conservation; * Financial literacy: Equipping farmers with budgeting tools, access to credit and insurance, digital payments, and risk management knowledge. The launch event, held at the College of Agriculture, Kalaburagi gathered key stakeholders, including government officials, agricultural experts, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), technical partners, and donors. The event underscored OCP's strong commitment in the region to promoting the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, and marked a new chapter in its collaboration with local farming communities. In his keynote speech, Dr Shivasankar N, Director of Extension - UAS Raichur, in Kalaburagi, emphasized the importance of government support in driving innovation and knowledge-sharing in agriculture. ISAP presented a detailed overview of the program structure, training modules, methodology, and expected outcomes. FPO partners also discussed their on-ground experiences adopting modern farming practices. Ms. Hassina Moukhariq, Director of International Development, OCP Foundation, said: "OCP Foundation believes that empowering farmers with knowledge, innovation, and access to sustainable practices is the most enduring investment we can make. Project ACE is a long-term partnership with the farming community of Karnataka to build resilience, drive productivity, and ensure food security in a changing climate." M. Youssef El Bari, CEO, OCP Nutricrops, shared: "True agricultural transformation begins with the farmer, and through Project ACE, we're equipping farmers not only with knowledge but also with the tools to make more sustainable choices that support balanced fertilization, improve soil health, and build resilience. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to co-creating solutions with Indian partners for a more secure and sustainable future." Mr. Gaurav Vats, Director - Agri Services, ISAP, who in his welcome address outlined the program's objectives and long-term vision for empowering farmers through knowledge and practical training, said: "Project ACE is not just a training program--it's a roadmap for transforming rural livelihoods. By equipping farmers with practical knowledge, access to innovation, and institutional support, we aim to strengthen the agricultural value chain from the ground up." Dr. Raju Teggeli, Head and Lead Scientist at KVK Kalaburagi, an extension centre, finally emphasized the importance of training and technological innovation in modern agriculture. Through Project ACE, OCP Foundation, OCP Nutricrops, and ISAP reaffirm their commitment to supporting national efforts toward sustainable agriculture. By working hand in hand with local institutions, experts, and farming communities, the initiative seeks to contribute to improved practices, stronger resilience, and better livelihoods for farmers across India. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Morocco World
07-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
UM6P Turns Heads With Deep Tech Summit
The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) kicked off the Deep Tech Summit (DTS) with the bold intent to position Africa at the forefront of global scientific innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital sovereignty. This year's summit focuses on how artificial intelligence is reshaping deep tech. 'This is not a tech show,' said Yassine Laghzioui, UM6P's Director of Entrepreneurship and Venturing, as he opened the DTS. 'We're bringing together founders, researchers, and investors to tackle real problems in real time.' The summit gathers over 7,000 participants – over half of them coming from different parts of the world – to attend more than 60 sessions over two days, all set on UM6P's fast-growing green campus. The event includes panel discussions, experimental showrooms, deeptech factories and sittings for one-off reverse pitches, pitches in the dark, and elevator pitches. 'Why should the entrepreneur always be the one begging? We flipped it. Now the VCs must convince them,' he added, describing one of the summit's standout formats – the reverse pitch – where investors pitch to startups, not the other way around. Yassine Laghzioui says that this summit brings together founders, researchers, and investors to tackle real problems in real time Founded by the OCP Foundation and part of the phosphate giant OCP Group, UM6P has grown into one of Africa's most ambitious research universities. At the press conference, Amina Lahbabi, the university's Director of Communication and Public Relations, explained why. 'We're a Moroccan and African university, built for Africa, by Africans,' she said. 'We started by supporting OCP's R&D, but today we're working on solutions for the whole continent — in agriculture, AI, biotechnology, renewable energy, and more.' The university's Benguerir campus, spread over 80 hectares, was built with one goal: to create a city of knowledge. It includes 'living labs' where students and researchers test ideas in real-world conditions — from experimental mining to green hydrogen production. UM6P also houses Africa's most powerful supercomputer, helping researchers tackle big problems in data science and climate tech. Lahbabi pointed to the university's rapid growth with 7,200 students across multiple campuses, with 61% coming from African countries. More than 80% are on scholarships, and 60% have full funding. 'Excellence and meritocracy matter here. Financial status should never be a barrier,' she said. Amina Lahbabi says that excellence and meritocracy matter at UM6P UM6P has also gone global, with new hubs in Paris, Montréal, and soon to be one in Côte d'Ivoire and Mexico. 'We're building bridges between Africa and the world,' Lahbabi said. 'And we're showing that Morocco can be a hub for research, innovation, and soft power.' The university's community work is just as important. In Rhamna, where the main campus sits, UM6P is running more than 20 local development projects from culture and sport to health and education. They've even partnered with the NBA's junior program to launch Africa's first basketball school. This year's Deep Tech Summit wants to turn Benguerir into Africa's deep tech capital and prove that world-class science and startups don't just belong in Silicon Valley or Europe — they belong in Morocco and in Africa too.
Morocco World
22-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
OCP Foundation 2024: Over 89,000 Lives Impacted Through Education, Inclusion, and Innovation
Rabat – A recent activity report by OCP Foundation detailed the social, educational, environmental, and economic work it carried out across 2024, in Morocco and several countries across Africa and beyond. Last year, OCP Foundation continued its mission of helping people grow, learn, and build better communities, indicated the report. Guided by the idea of 'servant leadership,' putting people first, the foundation launched many programs in Morocco and other countries to create lasting change. Education was a top priority in 2024. The Foundation supported more than 75,000 students, trained over 3,000 people, and helped nearly 71,000 learners, including 54% women. Special attention was given to girls, students with disabilities, and those from rural areas. The Foundation backed top schools like the Lycée Mohammed VI d'Excellence in Benguerir and Lydex in Rabat to help Moroccan students succeed in competitive schools in Morocco and abroad. They also offered bursaries to over 4,000 students from Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa through a partnership with the Ibn Rochd Foundation. Mangroves in Guinea To modernize education, OCP launched digital tools like language labs and the PrepaDigitale program, which helped students access thousands of online lessons. The Foundation also helped rebuild schools in Al Haouz after the earthquake, including 263 new classrooms and 436 modules. Supporting inclusion and gender Equality OCP's work in 2024 was also focused on inclusion. Over 55% of the program's beneficiaries were women. The foundation supported women in education, entrepreneurship, and science. For example, 71% of the women involved in OCP-backed cooperatives were empowered through business training. Support for people with disabilities was also strong, with OCP working with associations to help children with autism, down syndrome, and hearing loss go to school and access healthcare. 120 children with Down syndrome, 48 with autism, and 50 with hearing impairments received special help. The report added that the OCP Foundation invested heavily in scientific research and technology. With help from the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), they supported 153 research projects involving over 600 researchers, nearly half of whom were women. These projects focused on agriculture, health, climate change, and energy. A major success, the report says, was the creation of the Fonds de Développement Durable, which supports eco-friendly projects like solar energy, water conservation, and biodiversity protection. In total, 95 sustainability projects were launched in 2024. The foundation also promoted digital learning, with 62 educational projects completed through the National Center for Digital Education (CNDE). These helped bring quality education to more students, especially in remote areas, according to the foundation. Helping local and global communities In addition to its work across Morocco, OCP made a global impact too. In countries like Zimbabwe, Malawi, Senegal, India, and Brazil, the foundation supported farming cooperatives, provided school supplies, and promoted sustainable agriculture. The foundation also supported small businesses, especially those led by women, with programs like Africain Women in Tech & AI and Prix Lalla Al Moutaaouina. These projects aimed to help local communities grow economically and socially. The report celebrated OCP's commitment to people, saying that the Foundation's philosophy of 'servant leadership' means listening to communities, working with them, and letting them lead their own development. 'In 2024, our Foundation chose to establish itself as a deeply human transformation operator, guided by the principles of Servant Leadership,' reads the report. OCP's programs reached over 89,000 people, supported 281 partners, and helped reforest 590 hectares of land last year. 'In 2024, our commitments came to life through concrete progress, strong collaborations, and collective efforts in service of the common good. Behind every number, there are stories, ambitions, and a shared energy to build a more united and resilient future,' said the report. Tags: OCP FoundationOCP Morocco
Morocco World
08-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Government, OCP Launches MAD 1 Billion Program to Boost Research, Innovation
Rabat – Morocco's Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation has joined forces with OCP Group to launch a new national program to support research and development. The program will run from 2025 to 2028. The launch ceremony took place on Monday in Benguerir, where Minister of Higher Education, Azeddine El Madini, signed a framework agreement with the CEO of the OCP Group, Mostafa Terrab. The agreement aims to make scientific research and innovation key drivers of Morocco's development by focusing on priority topics. The program will receive a total budget of MAD 1 billion, jointly funded by the ministry and the OCP Group. The funding will be spread over four years. MAD 200 million will be dedicated to involving Moroccan experts living abroad in the national research and innovation system. The program aims to support scientific excellence in key strategic fields, train a new generation of young researchers, attract more funding and resources for Morocco's research system, and help Morocco become a global leader in research and innovation. The program is a partnership between the OCP Foundation, the National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST), and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). The program uses a collaborative approach based on shared funding and cooperation among several national institutions. It focuses on key national priorities like water resources, phosphate extraction and processing, health, food security, renewable energy, and humanities and social sciences. Meanwhile, UM6P is set to contribute through its advanced laboratories, infrastructure, and international partnerships to help speed up the results and positive impact of the program. The first edition of the national program includes three sub-programs, including the Ibn Battuta Program to support young researchers and help them build strong research careers. The Ibn Al-Banna Program will focus on high-priority topics with great potential for innovation, while the Nafzawiya Program is set to encourage turning research results into real economic value through technology transfer. Three agreements were signed during the launch event to implement these sub-programs. The ceremony was attended by many key figures, including OCP Foundation Secretary General Abdelhadi Sahib, CNRST Director Jamila El Alami, and UM6P President Hicham El Habti, along with academics and representatives from national institutions.
Associated Press
08-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Official Launch Of Pnardi National Program To Support Research, Development, And Innovation 2025-2028
/ -- Research and Innovation at the Core of Morocco's Sustainable Development The Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation (MESRSI) and OCP Foundation are strengthening their partnership through a strategic collaboration aimed at positioning research and innovation as key drivers of national development. This partnership is formalized through the signing of a framework agreement between the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, Mr. Azzedine EL MIDAOUI, and the Chairman and CEO of OCP Group, Mr. Mostafa TERRAB. During an official ceremony held on the campus of University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) in Benguerir on April 7, 2025, the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation (MESRSI), OCP Foundation, the National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST), and UM6P launched the inaugural edition of the National Program to Support Research, Development, and Innovation (PNARDI). PNARDI aligns with the Royal High Directives aiming to make scientific research and innovation essential levers for sustainable development, national competitiveness, and international influence. It also responds to the vision of His Majesty, may God assist Him, to bolster human capital and enhance the involvement of Moroccan expertise abroad, bringing them into the national research and innovation ecosystem. Fully aligned with the provisions of the Framework Law No. 51-17 on education, training, and scientific research, this program complements the Ministry's strategy to revitalize research and innovation, positioning them as key contributors to the Kingdom's socio-economic progress. PNARDI advocates for a co-financing model between MESRSI and OCP Foundation, with the collaboration of CNRST and UM6P to ensure its effective implementation. It stands out due to its integrated, mobilizing approach, set within a consistent time-frame, and in perfect alignment with national priorities and Morocco's sovereignty objectives. This strategic partnership enabled the mobilization of substantial funding amounting to 1 billion dirhams through a joint fund established by the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation and the OCP Group, distributed over four editions between 2025 and 2028, from which 200 million dirhams are specifically allocated to engaging Moroccan talents residing abroad in the national research and innovation ecosystem. The PNARDI (National Program to Attract and Retain Researchers for Development and Innovation) aims to strengthen scientific excellence across several strategic sectors, including water, the extraction, processing, and valorization of phosphates and their derivatives, health, food security, renewable energy, and the humanities and social sciences. In this partnership, UM6P will leverage its state-of-the-art research infrastructure, living laboratories, and international network of partnerships to accelerate the impact of this new fund. This first edition is structured around three complementary sub-programs: the R&D Young Researchers Program (IBN BATTOUTA) supports the emergence of new generations of scientists, the R&D Priority Thematic Program (IBN ALBANNA) focuses on strategic areas with high innovation potential, and the Technology Transfer Program (NEFZAOUIA) strengthens the link between research and economic needs by fostering wealth creation from scientific advancements. The event was attended by prominent figures from the academic and research communities, as well as representatives from national institutions, reflecting a collective commitment to enhancing Morocco's research and innovation ecosystem. University Mohammed VI Polytechnic Legal Disclaimer:
