Latest news with #SIAM2025
Morocco World
22-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Signs Major Water Deals at SIAM 2025
Morocco has signed two major agreements aimed at transforming the way it manages its water resources, as the country faces mounting pressure from drought and climate change. The deals were signed between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Equipment and Water at SIAM 2025 during the International Conference on Water Management for Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture. Nearly 30 foreign delegations attended, including ministers from France and Italy. The deals were signed between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Equipment and Water at SIAM 2025 during the International Conference on Water Management for Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture The first agreement focuses on the Fez-Meknes aquifer, aiming to involve farmers, local authorities, and industry in managing this crucial water source. 'This new contract will allow us to balance environmental protection and economic development,' said Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari at the event. The second deal promises tighter coordination between government departments, especially when it comes to data sharing and weather forecasting. 'The exchange of data between our services and the development of specific meteorological tools will revolutionise agricultural decision-making,' said Nizar Baraka, Minister of Equipment and Water. Speaking to Morocco World News, Baraka revealed Morocco is also working with the World Water Council to create a new international centre focused on renewable energy and water. 'The aim is to share Morocco's successful experience in seawater desalination using renewable energy – particularly solar energy,' he said. Nizar Baraka speaking during the SIAM 2025 in Meknes By 2030, Morocco plans to produce 1.7 billion cubic metres of desalinated water, of which 500 million cubic metres will be used for agriculture. 'This will allow us to irrigate over 100,000 hectares – enabling the cultivation of high-value crops and reinforcing our food sovereignty,' Baraka added. One of the new projects will support earthquake-hit regions. 'We've signed a groundwater contract covering the earthquake-affected zone,' Baraka said. 'Water from the Moulay Abdeslam dam will support irrigation over 30,000 hectares, starting with 10,000 hectares.' Both ministers stressed that these efforts follow the roadmap laid out by King Mohammed VI in his 2024 speech, which set the goal of meeting 80% of Morocco's irrigation needs. 'In the face of growing water stress, these agreements reflect our commitment to deliver the royal vision,' said El Bouari. Experts at the event called for faster adoption of smarter water governance models. Many praised Morocco's new participatory approach to groundwater management as a model for the region. Tags: agricultureAhmed El BouaridroughtMeknesNizar BarakaSIAM 2025
Ya Biladi
22-04-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's cereal production to surge by 41% in promising 2024-2025 season
Initial forecasts indicate that cereal production for the 2024-2025 agricultural season is expected to reach 44 million quintals, reflecting a 41% increase compared to the previous season, announced Ahmed El Bouari, the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, on Tuesday in Meknès. «The current agricultural season looks promising on all fronts. After a challenging start, March and early April saw significant rainfall, which has had a very positive impact on the agricultural situation across the Kingdom», El Bouari stated during the opening of a high-level international conference, held in conjunction with the 17th edition of the International Agriculture Fair in Morocco (SIAM), which runs until April 27 in Meknès. In this context, the minister highlighted that the condition of autumn cereal vegetation cover has significantly improved, contributing to higher yields, especially in favorable regions. With the improvement in spring crops, the recovery of livestock following recent rains, and strong performance in most other agricultural activities, the growth of the agricultural sector is projected at 5.1%, compared to a contraction of -4.8% in the previous season. SIAM 2025, which features 1,500 exhibitors from 70 countries, is organized under the theme «Agriculture and the Rural World: Water at the Heart of Sustainable Development». Serving as a key platform for agricultural policies, the fair is an essential opportunity to promote exchanges, strengthen international partnerships, and highlight concrete solutions to the challenges facing the agricultural sector.
Morocco World
22-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco's International Agriculture Fair Expects Record Crowd
Rabat — Morocco launched its 17th International Agriculture Fair (SIAM) in Meknes on Monday with high expectations. Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari announced that the event aims to attract over one million visitors this year. 'Water at the heart of sustainable development' serves as this edition's theme. El Bouari spoke of SIAM's theme significance, describing it as 'a very important subject' against the backdrop of climate challenges facing the world today. Before recent rainfall, the North African country had been going through an intense period of drought, with a decline of over 40% in rainfall, a drop of 75% in water reserves, and an alarming depletion of underground water resources. However, Morocco succeeded in managing the water crisis through several strategies, including restricted irrigation, issuing temporary permits for groundwater extraction, desalination, and water transport projects. Speaking of France's position as the guest of honor at SIAM 2025, the minister said that this choice 'demonstrates the strength of relations between Morocco and France, particularly in agricultural development and food security.' Visitors can explore a wide range of products and cutting-edge agricultural machinery at the fair. The event aims to promote agricultural and livestock production while featuring key sectors of the regional economy, including agribusiness and food processing industries. Read also: Water Scarcity and Climate Change: Navigating their Geopolitical Impact on Regional and Global Security SIAM has successfully established itself as one of Africa's essential agricultural events. It now serves as a prime platform for meetings and partnership opportunities between various stakeholders and operators in the agricultural ecosystem. The international fair extends over 12.4 hectares in the historical heart of Meknes, providing a platform for over 1,500 exhibitors from 70 countries. It also aims to allow visitors and international participants to discover Morocco's agricultural assets and ambitions, ranging from advanced machinery, new farming techniques, and a wide range of regional products. More than a platform to exhibit agricultural products and technologies, SIAM is an arena for scientific talks and expert-led panels that debate how Morocco and its counterparts can dodge the hurdles of climate change in a way that serves to preserve agricultural ecosystems. By encouraging exchange between experts and agriculture savvies, institutions, and entrepreneurs, the fair also strives to foster practices and technologies capable of achieving lasting food sovereignty to contribute to the world's food security. Tags: agricultureMorocco SIAMSIAM 2025
