From the APS special correspondent: Ousmane Ibrahima Dia
Rabat, Oct 30 (APS) – The CEO of the OCP Group (Office Cherifien des Phosphates), Mostafa Terrab, highlighted, Wednesday in Rabat, the importance of “optimized nutrition” of soils in the increase in agricultural yields in Africa.
He was speaking during a meeting on “Perspectives for Franco-Moroccan cooperation for a transition towards sustainable agricultural and food systems in Africa”, as part of President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit.
The meeting took place at OCP headquarters in the presence of experts and various stakeholders in the agricultural ecosystem.
Before President Macron, he stressed that the experience of the OCP Group in Africa has demonstrated that “optimized nutrition” of soils, in synergy with responsible agricultural practices, not only increases yields but also decarbonizes. agriculture, by contributing to carbon sequestration in soils.
He indicated that these agricultural practices which integrate appropriate nutrition of soils and plants have the potential to create a virtuous cycle between two sustainable development objectives (No. 2 “zero hunger” and No. 13 “measures relating to the fight against climate change”) which are traditionally put in opposition.
Healthy soils make it possible to achieve these objectives, he assured, noting that this approach, made possible thanks to recent technological advances such as spectrometry and neural networks, paves the way for a virtuous cycle combining agricultural productivity and environmental resilience.
During this meeting, the CEO of the OCP Group, Mostafa Terrab, presented the Moroccan vision of an Africa called to become a solution for global food security.
Emphasizing efforts to promote targeted use of agricultural nutrients, Mr. Terrab stressed the importance of continuing to develop solutions tailored specifically to each crop and soil type. According to him, the low application of fertilizers in Africa still limits the potential of agricultural yields on the continent today.
Mr. Terrab insisted on the participation of Africa as an actor in a solution to global food security.
Participants in the meeting discussed the challenges and opportunities linked to food security, particularly in Africa, with the aim of facilitating a constructive exchange on initiatives and partnerships in favor of a resilient and sustainable agricultural future.
OID/ASG/SBS/AB
