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Erfoud — The city of Erfoud is hosting the 14th edition of the International Date Fair in Morocco, with the event running from October 29 to November 2.
Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture Ahmed El Bouari inaugurated the first day of the festival, which is held under the theme “Sustainable Management of Water Resources: Foundation for Date Palm and Oasis Development.”
The festival is organized by the Association of the International Date Fair in Morocco (ASIDMA), under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, and with support from the National Agency for the Development of Oasis and Argan Zones (ANDZOA).
The fair is bringing together over 230 Moroccan and international exhibitors and is expected to attract more than 90,000 visitors.
Spread across 40,000 square meters, the exhibition area will feature several themed pavilions.
During the inauguration, the minister toured the stands representing Morocco’s regions, the Agricultural Ministry pavilion, and other national agencies, as well as the stands of countries such as the UAE.
Water scarcity, this year’s focus
This year’s theme reflects growing concerns about water stress threatening traditional oasis systems across Morocco’s arid regions.
“These ecosystems serve as vital reservoirs of biodiversity and natural barriers against desertification,” organizers noted, focusing on their strategic importance for both local economies and climate resilience.
The seven-themed festival serves as a platform for networking, partnerships, and showcasing innovations in date palm cultivation and oasis agriculture, while also functioning as a marketplace for producers and buyers.
Scientific programming, investment focus
The Agricultural Development Agency and Crédit Agricole Group are jointly hosting an investment forum titled “Responsible Investment for Date Palm and Oasis Development.”
A scientific symposium, organized by INRA and ANDZOA in collaboration with FAO and ICARDA, will bring together researchers, institutional actors, and industry professionals to explore innovative solutions for adapting oasis systems to climate challenges.
Business-to-business meetings are also scheduled to facilitate partnerships among sector operators.
Pioneering water transfer project unveiled
Minister El Bouari toured the Maktaa Sfa hydro-agricultural project, a groundbreaking initiative designed to channel floodwaters from the Gheris River to Lake Merzouga.
With a total investment of MAD 85.23 million ($9 million), the project directly benefits 6,770 residents and will irrigate 1,194 hectares in the Rissani and Taous communes. Construction is expected to generate 341,000 workdays.
The infrastructure includes a 260-meter diversion dam at Ksar Sidi Ahmed Ben Madani, a 14-kilometer water transfer canal from the Gheris River to Lake Merzouga, and a 2.6-kilometer irrigation canal serving the Maktaa Sfa perimeter.
The project also encompasses rehabilitation of Lake Merzouga’s old dike and upgrades to irrigation networks serving both Merzouga and Maktaa Sfa areas.
Beyond irrigation improvements, the project aims to preserve vegetation cover, replenish groundwater, enhance Lake Merzouga’s capacity — important for both ecological and tourism purposes — and stem rural exodus by strengthening the resilience of oasis systems.
The initiative aligns with Morocco’s “Generation Green 2020-2030” strategy, which targets sustainable, inclusive, and innovative agricultural development to ensure food sovereignty and territorial resilience in the face of climate challenges.
What the festival features
The fair features several specialized zones designed to display the oasis sector’s diversity. Indigenous sheep and goat breeds from oasis regions are also included for display in a dedicated livestock area, while companies specializing in fertilizers, irrigation equipment, renewable energy solutions, and packaging materials occupy the agricultural supplies section.
The centerpiece of the event is the “Rahba” pavilion, a 3,000 m² commercial hub where date producers, cooperatives, and economic interest groups exhibit and sell their products. An additional 300 m² space is set for regional specialty products from across Morocco’s oasis territories.
For younger attendees, a specially designed educational zone will offer hands-on, interactive experiences that bring the unique world of oasis ecosystems to life.
