As part of the ongoing implementation of Morocco’s National Direct Seeding Program, the National Coordination Committee for Direct Seeding held a meeting on March 18 via video conference. The meeting gathered key stakeholders, including regional agricultural directorates, the National Office for Agricultural Advisory Services, the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), and private-sector partners such as the Al Moutmir Initiative, Tobra, the Crédit Agricole Group of Morocco, and the Moroccan Association for Conservation Agriculture (AMAC).
The committee reviewed the program’s progress within the framework of the “Green Generation” strategy, highlighting a significant expansion in direct seeding adoption. The cultivated area increased from 85,000 hectares last season to 160,000 hectares as of March, with expectations to reach 200,000 hectares by the end of the season. The program aims to cover 400,000 hectares next season and reach one million hectares by 2030. Direct seeding has demonstrated a productivity increase of 30% to 100% compared to traditional farming methods.
To enhance monitoring and evaluation, a new digital platform utilizing remote sensing and field data was introduced. This tool is designed to engage farmers and youth in transitioning toward more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.
Despite challenges posed by low rainfall, Dr. Rachid Moussadek, National Coordinator of the Direct Seeding Project, confirmed that tangible positive results have been achieved. The Ministry of Agriculture has played a crucial role in supporting the initiative by providing over 750 direct seeding planters to facilitate adoption among farmers and cooperatives. He also recognized the contributions of ICARDA’s “Excellence in Agronomy” initiative and the World Bank, as well as public institutions such as DDFP, DRAs, INRA, ONCA, and ADA, along with private partners like Al Moutmir, Tobra, AMAC, and GCAM, in strengthening Morocco’s cereal-based farming system and enhancing its resilience to climate change.
