ICARDA AT SIAM
This week, our Morocco science team will demonstrate our groundbreaking climate-smart agri-technology at the Moroccan International Agricultural Exhibition (SIAM) - a world-leading expo showcasing Morocco's progress in innovative, climate-smart agriculture to a diverse national and international audience.
The 15th edition of SIAM, with the theme "Generation Green: for sustainable food sovereignty," will take place from 2 to 7 May 2023 in the northern city of Meknes, renowned for its cereal cultivation. Organized by the Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fishing, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, and with nearly one million visitors, SIAM is one of Africa's most prominent agricultural innovation expos.
With food insecurity threatening people's livelihoods, particularly in North and East Africa, where drought is prevalent, SIAM 2023 will promote agricultural climate resilience by encouraging initiatives that raise the stakes through innovative, sustainable, and affordable approaches that small and commercial farmers can adopt. The event will also examine game-changing progress in agroecology and sustainable development, including new smart agriculture techniques explored by the United Kingdom, the guest of honor at the show.
A wide range of technologies and innovations in the agriculture industry are expected to be prevalent such as:
- Precision agriculture technologies that use data analysis and automation, including sensors, drones, and GPS mapping, to optimize crop yields and reduce waste.
- Hydroponics and vertical farming - innovative methods of growing crops in a controlled environment, without soil, allowing for year-round crop production, even in urban areas, to grow fresh produce in limited space.
- Agricultural robotics to assist farmers with tasks such as planting, harvesting, and weeding. These robots can increase efficiency, reduce labor costs, and improve the quality of the crops.
- Biotechnology to develop crops more resistant to pests and disease and crops with improved nutritional value.
- Renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and wind turbines to power farms and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. These technologies can also be used to provide energy to rural communities.
With over 900,000 participants expected, one thousand exhibitors registered to participate, and fifty countries represented at this year's expo promise to generate radical free thinking on food systems transformation that can resonate with the global agri-community. The event features a packed schedule of events, awards, and conferences, including exclusive meetings for industry professionals and open-to-the-public events.
| Date | Events | Scientific Discussion Forums |
|---|---|---|
| 2 May 2023 | Inauguration in the presence of the Royal Family and the Moroccan Governmental officials |
3:00 – 4:00 PM (UTC+1) |
| 3 May 2023 | High-level conference on innovation for food sovereignty |
3:00 – 4:00 PM (UTC+1) Biodiversity and the Role of Breeding ICARDA's Drs. Miguel Sanchez-Garcia & Anna Backhaus |
| 4 May 2023 |
Ministerial Conference of Advancing African Agriculture (AAA) Joint organization INRA and FAO: Resilient Cereal Farming for Food Sovereignty: what role for research? |
10:00 – 11:00 AM (UTC+1) Cereal food sovereignty ICARDA's Drs. Ahmed Amri & Rachid Moussadek |
| 5 May 2023 |
|
3:00 – 4:00 PM (UTC+1) Conservation agriculture for climate-resilient cereal production ICARDA's Drs. Rachid Moussadek, Mina Devkota, & Vinay Nangia |
| 6 May 2023 |
3:00 – 4:00 PM (UTC+1) Student symposium jointly with UK mission to Morocco |
|
| 7 May 2023 | Showcasing of ICARDA water-saving innovations such as supplemental irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and ultra-low energy drip irrigation |
10:00 – 11:00 AM (UTC+1) Next-generation water-saving innovations ICARDA's Dr. Vinay Nangia & water researchers of ICARDA |
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