SIDATTES 2026: INRA Highlights Its Innovations to Advance the Date Industry
The National Institute for Agronomic Research (INRA) will showcase its scientific advancements and technological innovations at the 15th International Date Exhibition in Morocco (SIDATTES 2026), scheduled 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 particularly focus on agricultural research, the sustainability of the date palm sector, and the resilience of Moroccan oases.
In this context, INRA will take part in a scientific day organized on Thursday in Erfoud, in collaboration with the International Date Exhibition Association (ASID) and the National Agency for the Development of Oasis Areas and Argan Trees (ANDZOA), in partnership with the FAO and ICARDA.
This event will bring together researchers, experts, and professionals to discuss sustainable management of natural resources, the resilience of oasis systems, and the enhancement of local products.
The presentations will notably cover the genome sequencing of the Mejhoul variety, the monitoring of soil salinity through high-resolution satellite imagery, and the use of artificial intelligence in date harvesting and post-harvest operations.
### Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology at the Forefront of Innovations
Through its thematic stand, INRA will highlight three research axes: digital technologies applied to variety recognition, maturity assessment, and quality control of dates; genetic improvement and genomics; as well as biotechnology and in vitro propagation.
These efforts aim to develop selected Moroccan varieties, including those resistant to the bayoud disease. The experimental fields in Errachidia and Zagora will also be showcased for their role in conserving genetic resources, conducting experiments, and transferring innovations to professionals.
### PalmINRA: Expertise in Service of National Production
The program also includes a ministerial visit to the National Date Palm Tissue Culture Laboratory (PalmINRA), which is part of the Regional Center for Agronomic Research in Errachidia.
This visit will highlight the results achieved in the in vitro propagation of date palms. Since 2010, the laboratory has produced over 170,000 budding plants and transferred this technology to eight private laboratories.
These achievements contribute to strengthening national capacities for plant production and support programs for the development and rehabilitation of Moroccan palm groves.
Through its participation in SIDATTES 2026, INRA aims to bolster a more innovative and competitive date sector while contributing to the preservation of national genetic heritage and adapting oasis territories to climate challenges.
