Technical Caravan in Midelt to Promote Conservation Agriculture: Towards Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Farming
As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture and enhancing the resilience of farms in the face of climate and water challenges, and with the participation of the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) and ICARDA, the Moroccan Association for Conservation Agriculture organized an important technical caravan under the theme:
“Conservation Agriculture in the Drâa-Tafilalet Region: Towards Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and Greater Farm Resilience,”
held on Saturday and Sunday, April 12–13, 2025, in the province of Midelt, specifically in the towns of Boumia and Itzer.
This caravan was organized in a critical context marked by the intensifying impacts of climate change and water scarcity. The Drâa-Tafilalet region faces increasing environmental vulnerability, calling for innovative and effective interventions grounded in scientific knowledge and smart technologies. In this regard, conservation agriculture stands out as a fundamental solution, offering promising opportunities to enhance natural resource use, preserve soil, and optimize water and energy consumption, all without compromising productivity.
The aim of this technical caravan was to raise awareness about the importance of conservation agriculture and to disseminate related knowledge and best practices. It featured practical field demonstrations, interactive workshops open to farmers and professionals, as well as experience-sharing sessions and strengthened collaboration between local stakeholders and national experts.
Key topics included soil management, the adoption of direct seeding techniques, plant cover practices, and crop residue recycling. Seven specialized technical presentations were delivered, interspersed with vibrant discussions and networking sessions involving more than 150 participants from across the region, including 20 rural women who showed notable interest in sustainable agricultural practices.
The caravan was a resounding success, receiving enthusiastic feedback from farmers and participants, reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of transitioning toward environmentally friendly and climate-resilient production systems.
It is worth noting that direct seeding—a cornerstone of conservation agriculture—is rapidly expanding nationwide, with the goal of reaching one million hectares by 2030, in line with the implementation of the Green Generation strategy.
Today, conservation agriculture is no longer a luxury or a marginal option—it is an urgent necessity and a shared responsibility, bringing together scientific research and field practices to build a more balanced agricultural system, better prepared to face climate variability and resource limitations, in service of our food security and sustainable rural development.
#almouhitalfilahi: Adil EL ARABI