Meknes – The 15th edition of the International Agricultural Exhibition in Morocco, commonly known as SIAM, kicked off today in Meknes. The event, which is taking place between May 2 and 7, aims to promote agricultural development in Morocco and the region.
The annual agricultural fair, one of the largest in Africa and the Middle East, has brought together more than 850,000 visitors and delegations from 60 countries. It featured leading companies from agriculture, Agro-Tech, FoodTech, and GreenTech, as well as decision-makers, to share the latest advances and innovations in their respective fields and explore opportunities for cooperation.
The head of the Moroccan government Aziz Akhannouch attended the opening ceremony of the event, as well as made a tour around the international and Moroccan pavilions of the fair.
The head of the Moroccan government Aziz Akhannouch touring the fair
Since its inaugural edition in 2006, SIAM has become a major event for farmers, professionals in the agricultural sector, government officials, as well as for the general public.
SIAM hosted a wide range of activities, including an extensive exhibition where local and international companies and organizations showcased their products and services related to agriculture. Exhibitors include agricultural machinery manufacturers, seed and fertilizer producers, livestock breeders, food processing companies, and many others.
One of the highlights of the fair is the livestock shows, where breeders showcase their best animals. The shows will include competitions for various types of livestock, such as cows, sheep, goats, and camels.
Moroccan farmers showcasing their livestock at the event
Read also: AgriEdge, OCP Africa Launch Farming Innovation Program to Promote Crop Protection
In addition, SIAM includes an international pavilion, where countries from across the world showcase their agricultural products and services. This pavilion typically provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about agriculture in other parts of the world.
One of the international exhibitors present at the fair is UK’s Agri-Epi Centre, which aims to “bridge the gap between the people creating innovative new agricultural technologies, and those who benefit from them,” according to the company’s website.
In an interview with Morocco World News, the center’s International Business Development Manager, Jane Lycett, expressed her company’s interest in helping address Morocco’s agriculture challenges.
She indicated that the Agri-Epi Center will sign a memorandum of understanding with Morocco’s Digital Agriculture Pole (PAD) on Tuesday, May 2, with the aim of “progressing the sector and making farming more productive and sustainable.”
The event will also host a number of conferences and seminars on various agricultural topics, such as new technologies, agricultural policies, and sustainable agriculture. These conferences and seminars will see the presence of experts and professionals from across the world.
It will also host cultural and artistic events, such as music and dance performances, exhibitions of traditional crafts, and food tastings.
Agri-EPI Centre stand at SIAM’s international pavilion
SIAM is a crucial event for the agricultural sector in Morocco and the region, as it provides a platform for companies, organizations, and professionals to exchange ideas and knowledge on agriculture. The fair also promotes Morocco’s agriculture and the country’s potential as a regional agricultural hub.
It also reflects King Mohammed VI’s commitment to developing the sector with the aim of strengthening the country’s food security, creating employment opportunities, and increasing the country’s agricultural exports.
Agriculture is one of the key sectors of the Moroccan economy, providing employment to around 40% of the population.
“The agricultural sector is an essential core of the economy of Morocco, it is a major player in the rural development, responsible for the social stability of the country, and is the proof of safety for the future generations,” said SIAM’s organizers.
Over the years, Morocco has been keen to develop the sector by increasing the use of technology in agriculture, improving irrigation systems, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and developing rural infrastructure.
