Doha, Qatar - October 2, 2023 - The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) with support of the Ministry of Municipality of the State of Qatar has successfully concluded its groundbreaking Advanced Agri-Tech Sub-Forum in Doha on October 2, 2023. The event brought together a diverse group of global experts, innovators, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore and advance the application of cutting-edge agricultural technologies for sustainable food systems in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) geography.
This unique and dynamic platform aimed to foster multi-stakeholder dialogue, focusing on the exchange of advanced agricultural technologies, strengthening scientific research for adapting agriculture to marginal environments, and enhancing food production through emerging technologies. The forum will also showcase specific IOFS projects and facilitate strategic partnerships to further implement advanced technologies for sustainable food systems in OIC Member States.
Going beyond mere discussions, the central purpose of this forum is to prioritize the practical implementation of affordable and cost-effective agricultural technologies. It seeks to enable OIC Member States to implement best practices on a mass scale, addressing the urgent need for food security in the region.
The forum's key objectives included promoting advanced agricultural technologies in harsh and marginal environments, facilitating strategic partnerships to advance affordable agri-tech solutions, addressing water management with cost-effective technologies, advocating for organic farming and climate-smart agriculture at scale, and exploring the potential of emerging technologies like vertical farming, hydroponics, and gene editing to enhance food production. By showcasing practical solutions and cost-effective practices, the forum aims to make advanced agri-tech accessible, reduce costs, increase efficiency, and ultimately contribute to sustainable food systems across the OIC geography.
The forum featured three dynamic sessions and policy roundtable that delved into the latest advancements in agricultural technology and their practical applications:
First Session on Good Food Farming and Climate-Smart Agriculture highlighted sustainable farming practices using agricultural technologies, as well as included discussions on good food farming, energy-efficient indoor farming in hot desert climates, and innovative solutions for maximizing food yields with minimum inputs.
Second Session on Water Management Technologies and Innovations featured discussions on successful case studies on water management technological practices in agriculture and shared valuable insights. Presentations on next-generation agricultural irrigation systems, spatial management systems of irrigation facilities, sustainable farming using aquaponics, and unconventional water resources for the agri-food industry further enriched the session.
Third Session on Enhancing Agricultural Food Production Through Emerging Technologies reviewed emerging technologies for food waste management, IoT and AI-enabled systems for crop disease monitoring and prediction, and leaders from organizations revolutionizing agriculture with innovative technology-driven approaches. The session also explored the role of ICT and e-platforms in serving farmers and presented advancements in improving agricultural productivity in arid climates.
In addition to the informative sessions, the Forum hosted a roundtable discussion on key themes, including policy interventions, government initiatives, public-private partnerships, international collaboration, and the transformative role of agri-tech and innovations in food systems. The panel featured distinguished experts and policymakers who shared their insights and recommendations.
The Advanced Agri-Tech Forum on Food Security has left a lasting impact on the quest for food security in OIC Member States by bridging the gap between innovation and implementation. It has inspired concrete actions toward building resilient food systems for a better future.
The Forum’s outcomes are to be included in the IOFS Doha Declaration that is to be concluded on 3 October 2023.
