With Morocco facing one of its worst droughts in decades, the country’s farmers are turning to high-tech solutions to save their crops and conserve precious water. This shift toward smart farming was on full display at this year’s International Agricultural Show (SIAM) in Meknes, where drones and artificial intelligence were showcased as the next frontier in sustainable agriculture.
“This year, more than ever, our work really matters,” said Reda Arbaoui, a drone specialist who has participated in SIAM for the past three years. “Morocco is going through a serious water crisis, and we need all the help we can get.”
Traditional farming methods, passed down through generations, are proving inadequate in the face of climate change. But with mounting pressure and government-backed awareness campaigns, more farmers are beginning to embrace technology.
The centerpiece of this technological shift is drone deployment. Arbaoui explained that two types of drones are gaining traction: spraying drones and analysis drones.
Spraying drones, which can carry up to 50 liters of liquid, are used to apply pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers with remarkable precision. Tested across various regions in Morocco, they’ve already shown promising results in boosting efficiency and reducing chemical usage.
Even more transformative are analysis drones. These fly over farmland, capturing detailed imagery that artificial intelligence systems then process to detect pests, diseases, or water-stressed areas.
“AI helps farmers treat only what needs treating,” said Arbaoui. “This means less water wasted and fewer chemicals used.”
Once prohibitively expensive, drone technology is becoming more accessible. A full spraying drone kit now costs around 150,000 Moroccan dirhams (approximately $15,000) and can cover up to 100 hectares in a single day. For large farms, the investment pays off quickly. Meanwhile, smaller farms are benefiting from local drone service providers — often young entrepreneurs trained by Arbaoui’s team.
“Using less water and fewer chemicals isn’t just smart,” Arbaoui said. “It’s the right thing to do.”
With state support and a growing number of tech-savvy agricultural workers, Morocco is positioning itself at the forefront of smart farming in North Africa. As climate challenges mount, innovations like these could play a critical role in safeguarding the country’s food future.
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