Public and private institutions participating at the 13th International Date Fair in Morocco “SIDATTES 2024” signed six agreements to boost Morocco’s date palm industry, at the event held in Erfoud from October 30 to November 3.
Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests, Ahmed El Bouari led the signing ceremony along with key officials, including Draa-Tafilalet region’s Governor Essaid Zniber and Regional Council President Hro Abrou and other officials from public and private institutions, Morocco’s Press Agency (MAP) wrote.
Among the agreements, the Moroccan Agricultural Mutual Insurance (MAMDA) and the Association of Modern Date Producers in Morocco (APM) signed a partnership to support farmers in developing agricultural and industrial practices. The collaboration hopes to provide producers with a range of tailored insurance products at good rates.
The National Agricultural Advisory Office (ONCA) and the National Federation for the Date Industry (Maroc Dattes) also signed a framework and four other agreements. These agreements focus on preserving the technical and managerial gains of the “Green Morocco Plan” for the date industry, educating farmers on best agricultural practices, and promoting the renewal of traditional palm plantations.
They will also help enhance the technical and managerial skills of cooperatives and Economic Interest Groups (GIEs) and facilitate the transfer of new technologies to improve productivity.
The agreements also include educating producers on the efficient use of production resources, especially water and energy, and raising awareness among cooperatives and GIEs on the importance of traceability. They encompass creating technical references and audiovisual materials to support ONCA’s initiatives, as well as developing the technical skills of agricultural advisors.
The 13th SIDATTES, sponsored by the “International Date Fair Association of Morocco” (ASIDMA), focuses on oasis ecosystems, the challenges faced, and its advances in sustainable practices.