سوس ماسة تربح رهان الماء: كيف تقود الحلول المبتكرة والجيل الأخضر تحول الفلاحة المغربية؟

#zoomnews #zoomnewsmaroc #زووم_نيوز https://www.zoomnews.ma/   / zoomnewsmaroc     / zoomnewsmaroc     / zoomnewsmaroc   Souss-Massa Wins the Water Challenge: How Innovative Solutions and the Green Generation Are Driving the Transformation of Moroccan Agriculture? Prepared by: Amin Naji Photography: Mohamed Boukssim With the first light of dawn in the farms of Chtouka, farmers no longer wait for rain as they once did. Instead, they now monitor water levels with concern and careful calculation. In a region considered the heart of Moroccan agriculture, supplying a significant portion of the national market's needs and exporting fruits and vegetables, water has become a crucial element determining the continuation of agricultural activity. Despite recent rainfall that has contributed to a relative improvement in the state of dams, the water challenge in the Souss-Massa region is no longer a temporary one, but has become a strategic imperative requiring a rethinking of water resource management methods and ensuring their sustainability. The Souss-Massa region has witnessed a significant improvement in its water situation recently, thanks to rainfall that has increased dam reservoir levels and alleviated pressure on water resources. This improvement has restored some balance to agricultural activity and given farmers a much-needed respite after years of hardship. However, this improvement, while important, reinforces the fundamental strategic shift towards sustainable solutions, rather than relying on climate fluctuations. Experience has shown that ensuring water security depends on diversifying water sources and improving the efficiency of their use. In this context, the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests is leading a profound transformation in water resource management within the framework of the Green Generation 2020–2030 strategy, which has made sustainability and water efficiency a national priority. Among the most prominent structural projects is the seawater desalination plant in Chtouka, which serves as an innovative model for securing irrigation water independently of rainfall. It provides a stable water supply for farms, particularly in areas most vulnerable to water stress. The Souss-Massa Regional Office for Agricultural Investment also oversees the implementation of irrigation network modernization programs and the expansion of water-saving technologies, in addition to training and supporting farmers in transitioning to more sustainable practices. Thanks to these efforts, the region has witnessed a remarkable transformation in irrigation methods. Drip irrigation now covers more than 90 percent of irrigated areas, contributing to improved water efficiency and reduced waste. Furthermore, farms have begun adopting more advanced technologies, including smart sensors for measuring soil moisture, digital applications for accurately determining water needs, and soilless farming techniques. Innovative initiatives have also emerged, such as the smart irrigation pilot project led by professional associations in partnership with public institutions, aimed at enhancing water efficiency and transitioning to a modern, data-driven, and technology-based agriculture. This transformation is not limited to infrastructure and technology alone; it also includes strengthening the role of farmers as key partners in water resource management. Training and development programs have contributed to raising farmers' awareness of the importance of water conservation and encouraging them to adopt modern, sustainable practices. The Chamber of Agriculture and various local stakeholders play a pivotal role in supporting this dynamic by advocating for farmers' issues and facilitating their access to programs and technical support. Despite the progress achieved, some challenges remain, particularly regarding the widespread adoption of modern technologies and enhancing the capacity of small farmers to access advanced irrigation solutions. However, the region's dynamism, supported by public investments and strategic orientations, indicates a genuine capacity to overcome these constraints and achieve a gradual transition towards a more sustainable and resilient agricultural model. Amidst climate change and resource challenges, the Souss-Massa region continues to forge a new water management model based on efficiency, innovation, and strategic planning. Recent experiences have demonstrated that combining technological solutions, such as seawater desalination and smart irrigation, with ambitious public policies is essential to ensuring the continuity of agricultural activity and enhancing food security. In Souss-Massa, water management is no longer merely a temporary necessity, but a strategic imperative for a sustainable agricultural future, aligned with Morocco's Green Generation vision.