Al Moutmir's commitment to sustainable agriculture in Morocco

Friday 25 April 2025 - 10:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Al Moutmir's commitment to sustainable agriculture in Morocco

Al Moutmir, an innovative agricultural initiative, has been on a transformative journey since 2018, aimed at enhancing sustainable agriculture while supporting farmers' incomes and bolstering the nation’s food security.

In recent months, stakeholders across various sectors have intensified their efforts to align with Morocco's sustainability goals, including the fertilizer giant OCP Group. This organization has launched multiple initiatives designed to enhance agricultural productivity and equip farmers with essential skills for effective soil management.

One of the pivotal programs, the Al Moutmir initiative, focuses on addressing the specific needs of farmers through innovative solutions that contribute to the country’s food security. By integrating research and innovation, the initiative encompasses the entire agricultural value chain, from assessing soil requirements to customizing fertilizer formulations and providing direct support to farmers.

Collaboration with Morocco’s Ministry of Agriculture ensures that farmers have access to vital resources that promote soil health and agricultural sustainability.

Impactful initiatives and significant achievements

As Morocco hosts its largest Agriculture Fair in Meknes, OCP has highlighted the substantial impact of the Al Moutmir initiative. Since its inception, the program has introduced over 3,500 tailor-made fertilizer formulas, applied by farmers using smart blending technology. This initiative has directly aided over 40,000 farmers and indirectly reached more than 540,000 individuals through digital solutions.

With operations spanning 43 provinces, the Al Moutmir team has expanded to include over 40 young agronomists and agricultural technicians, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable practices.

The University of Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) plays a crucial role in this initiative, providing technical support and resources to farmers. The university operates seven mobile laboratories across the nation, conducting free soil analyses and contributing to over 167,400 assessments that cover more than 560,000 hectares.

Advancements in technology and education

Al Moutmir is poised to adopt cutting-edge technologies, such as Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, which enhances soil sample analysis efficiency while reducing costs for farmers. Additionally, the initiative has developed a phygital smart-packaging solution through its startup, SensThings, which enables traceability of NPK-blend fertilizer bags in the local market. This innovation ensures that over one million bags produced for the 2024-2025 agricultural season can be authenticated, offering farmers peace of mind regarding the quality of their inputs.

Furthermore, OCP’s collaboration with GPS-Maroc has enabled real-time mapping of fertilizer points of sale nationwide, celebrating the full integration of Bulk-Blending technology in the Moroccan market.

The initiative remains dedicated to providing tailored support, particularly for smallholder farmers, through various platforms aimed at promoting good agricultural practices, climate resilience, and efficient water use. With 29,320 platforms deployed across different sectors, including cereals, olives, and vegetables, the program supports crop diversification and fosters knowledge-sharing.

Training and resources for farmers

Al Moutmir's commitment to farmer education is evident in its robust training programs. Over 17,500 training sessions have been conducted through field schools and classroom instruction, empowering farmers and cooperatives with practical knowledge. The program has also produced over 120 educational videos and launched Agripedia, an online platform providing comprehensive agronomic resources tailored to the needs of farmers, agronomists, and students alike.

Addressing livestock challenges

In light of ongoing drought conditions impacting Morocco's livestock population, the government has implemented measures such as canceling the ritual sacrifice during Eid Al Adha and banning the slaughter of female sheep and goats. OCP has responded by launching a new program focused on animal production, offering technical assistance, feed ration formulation, and optimizing livestock management practices in collaboration with local stakeholders.

Through these initiatives, Al Moutmir continues to champion sustainable agriculture in Morocco, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to enhancing food security and supporting the livelihoods of farmers across the nation.