Morocco's Drought-Resistant Crops: ICARDA's Wheat and Barley Breakthroughs Amidst Water Scarcity
In Morocco, scientists at the International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA) are working to develop drought-resistant crops, such as wheat, in response to the country's ongoing drought, now in its sixth year.
The scientists' fields in Marchouch, south of Rabat, are thriving in contrast to the barren lands elsewhere.
Morocco is predicted to face "extremely high" water stress by 2040, according to the World Resources Institute.
Central bank figures paint a grim picture of the situation.
The text discusses the anticipated decrease in cultivated areas in the kingdom from 3.7 million hectares in 2023 to 2.5 million hectares in 2024, along with a significant drop in cereal yields from 75 million quintals (7.5 million tons) to 25 million quintals (2.5 million tons).
Tadesse, who heads a research center, emphasizes the importance of using drought- and heat-resilient seeds and has been working on developing such genotypes.
Last year, the region of Marchouch managed to achieve a yield of four tons per hectare despite only 200 millimeters of rainfall.
In the agricultural sector, farmers are undergoing a revolution through controlled irrigation and strategic sowing techniques.
By optimizing planting times and water usage, even small amounts of water can turn barren soil into productive fields.
Barley, in particular, has experienced a yield increase from 1.5 to two tons per hectare due to climate-smart genotypes.
The International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA) has developed 30 elite lines of grain, primarily in Morocco, through breeding wild wheat with different ancestors.
ICARDA's research focuses on creating resilient seeds to improve agricultural productivity in dry areas.
Moroccan agricultural authorities approved six new wheat and barley varieties in 2020, but the lengthy approval process is hindering their dissemination to farmers.
The certification system is criticized for taking too long, with some varieties taking up to five years to reach the market.
Private companies and farmers prefer foreign seeds for quicker returns, despite their lack of adaptation to Morocco's climate.
Improvements are needed in this drought-hit country where citizens consume above-average amounts of wheat.
Morocco has opted for market liberalization in agriculture, allowing farmers to choose which crop varieties to grow without government control.
Researcher Amri believes that this, combined with the national agricultural program, will promote the use of resilient crop varieties and mitigate potential losses.
Morocco is predicted to face "extremely high" water stress by 2040, according to the World Resources Institute.
Central bank figures paint a grim picture of the situation.
The text discusses the anticipated decrease in cultivated areas in the kingdom from 3.7 million hectares in 2023 to 2.5 million hectares in 2024, along with a significant drop in cereal yields from 75 million quintals (7.5 million tons) to 25 million quintals (2.5 million tons).
Tadesse, who heads a research center, emphasizes the importance of using drought- and heat-resilient seeds and has been working on developing such genotypes.
Last year, the region of Marchouch managed to achieve a yield of four tons per hectare despite only 200 millimeters of rainfall.
In the agricultural sector, farmers are undergoing a revolution through controlled irrigation and strategic sowing techniques.
By optimizing planting times and water usage, even small amounts of water can turn barren soil into productive fields.
Barley, in particular, has experienced a yield increase from 1.5 to two tons per hectare due to climate-smart genotypes.
The International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA) has developed 30 elite lines of grain, primarily in Morocco, through breeding wild wheat with different ancestors.
ICARDA's research focuses on creating resilient seeds to improve agricultural productivity in dry areas.
Moroccan agricultural authorities approved six new wheat and barley varieties in 2020, but the lengthy approval process is hindering their dissemination to farmers.
The certification system is criticized for taking too long, with some varieties taking up to five years to reach the market.
Private companies and farmers prefer foreign seeds for quicker returns, despite their lack of adaptation to Morocco's climate.
Improvements are needed in this drought-hit country where citizens consume above-average amounts of wheat.
Morocco has opted for market liberalization in agriculture, allowing farmers to choose which crop varieties to grow without government control.
Researcher Amri believes that this, combined with the national agricultural program, will promote the use of resilient crop varieties and mitigate potential losses.
Translation:
Translated by AI
