SIDATTES 2026: INRA Showcases Innovations to Develop the Date Industry
The National Institute for Agronomic Research (INRA) will showcase its scientific advancements and technological innovations at the 15th edition of the International Date Palm Exhibition in Morocco (SIDATTES 2026), set to take place from October 28 to November 1 in Erfoud, located in the Errachidia province.
Under the theme “Date Palm and Innovation: Opportunities for Integrated Territorial Development,” this edition will especially focus on agricultural research, the sustainability of the date palm sector, and the resilience of Morocco’s oases.
In this context, INRA will take part in a scientific day organized on Thursday in Erfoud, in collaboration with the International Date Palm Exhibition Association (ASID) and the National Agency for the Development of Oasian Areas and the Argan Tree (ANDZOA), in partnership with the FAO and ICARDA.
This meeting will gather researchers, experts, and professionals to discuss the sustainable management of natural resources, the resilience of oasis systems, and the enhancement of local products.
Presentations will include the genomic sequencing of the Mejhoul variety, monitoring soil salinity using high-resolution satellite imagery, and the application of artificial intelligence in date harvesting and post-harvest operations.
### Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology at the Heart of Innovations
Through its thematic booth, INRA will highlight three research areas: digital technologies applied to variety recognition, maturity assessment, and quality control of dates; genetic improvement and genomics; as well as biotechnology and in vitro multiplication.
These initiatives aim to develop select Moroccan varieties, including those resistant to the bayoud disease. The experimental fields in Errachidia and Zagora will also be presented for their roles in genetic resource conservation, experimentation, and the transfer of innovations to professionals.
### PalmINRA: Expertise Serving National Production
The program also includes a ministerial visit to the National Date Palm Tissue Culture Laboratory (PalmINRA), part of the Regional Center for Agronomic Research in Errachidia.
This visit will shed light on the results achieved in in vitro multiplication of the date palm. Since 2010, the laboratory has produced over 170,000 budding plantlets and has transferred this technology to eight private laboratories.
These achievements contribute to strengthening the national capacity for plant production and support programs aimed at the development and rehabilitation of Moroccan date palm groves.
With its participation in SIDATTES 2026, INRA seeks to foster a more innovative and competitive date industry while also contributing to the preservation of the national genetic heritage and adapting oasis territories to climate challenges.
