FAO Recognizes Pioneering Moroccan Research in Smart Agriculture and Water Management

06.01.2026 442 views

The research focuses on innovative applications of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine Learning (ML) in sustainable agricultural irrigation management, marking a major scientific win for Morocco.

On the first day of 2026, Moroccan scientific research achieved a significant international milestone with the official recognition and indexing of a research paper I authored, in collaboration with Prof. Hamid Tairi and  Prof. Zafar Said, in the International System for Agricultural Science and Technology (FAO-AGRIS) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). 

As researchers at the Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mehraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University (Fez, Morocco), our study reflects a strong academic collaboration aimed at addressing global agricultural challenges.

The research focuses on innovative applications of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine Learning (ML) in sustainable agricultural irrigation management, pointing to the transformative role of advanced digital technologies in improving water-use efficiency, enhancing agricultural productivity, and addressing pressing challenges related to climate change, population growth, and global food security.

This work provides a comprehensive overview of IoT- and ML-based smart irrigation systems, demonstrating their potential to enable data-driven, intelligent, and sustainable water management in agriculture, while also discussing key technical and operational challenges related to their real-world adoption.

The inclusion of this research in FAO-AGRIS represents a formal international acknowledgment by FAO of its scientific quality, credibility, and relevance, confirming that Moroccan research is making a meaningful contribution to global knowledge and to evidence-based solutions for sustainable agricultural development.

This achievement highlights the growing role of Moroccan universities and research institutions in advancing innovation in smart agriculture, water security, and digital transformation, and recognizes our contributions to international research aligned with global development priorities promoted by organizations such as the FAO and the World Bank.

This FAO recognition serves as a strong incentive to further strengthen scientific research and innovation, reinforcing the role of knowledge and advanced technologies in building a more sustainable, resilient, and food-secure agricultural future worldwide. 

 

Source - https://www.moroccoworldnews.com

23.08.2026

USA - Pennsylvania Opens $10M Aid Program for Freeze-Hit Growers

Pennsylvania will open a $10 million disaster-relief program Aug. 24 for fruit growers facing an estimated $150 million to $200 million in losses from a spring freeze, Gov. Josh Shapiro reported Thursday during a visit to an Adams County orchard.

23.08.2026

A year of change in Polish agriculture

Minister Krajewski highlights support for farmers and stronger agricultural resilience.

23.08.2026

Nepal - Hunting permits issued to protect crops from wildlife in Arghakhanchi

Amid growing damage to crops and increasing human-wildlife conflict, a system allowing the legal hunting of certain wild animals has been introduced in Arghakhanchi.

23.08.2026

Spain - Barrachina highlights 35.3 million in agricultural insurance for 21,000 professionals in the field

The Generalitat allocates 35.3 million to agricultural insurance in the Valencian Community to support 21,000 farmers and ranchers against increasing risks.

23.08.2026

India - Sodiem locals seek FIR against WRD over paddy crop damage

The Siolim-Sodiem gram sabha on Sunday resolved to initiate criminal action against the Water Resources Department (WRD) over damage to ready-to-harvest paddy crops allegedly caused by leakage and seepage from the Tillari canal.

23.08.2026

India - Bhilwara farmers face crop loss as yellow mosaic virus hits pulses

Farmers in Bhilwara district are in distress due to an outbreak of yellow mosaic, commonly known as yellow disease, affecting their pulse crops. 

20.08.2026

Philippines - Farm damage from ‘habagat’ and serial storms hits ₱1.7B

The agricultural damage caused by the recent typhoons has soared to more than P1.7 billion, affecting over 50,000 farmers and fisherfolk, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

20.08.2026

India - Tech Guard For Farms: MIT Muzaffarpur Students Develop AI Device To Protect Crops From Nilgai

For years, farmers in Bihar have relied on scarecrows, fencing and constant vigilance to protect their crops from nilgai, wild animals and birds. But these measures often lose their effectiveness as animals gradually learn to ignore them.