Strategic Objectives:

Program Description:

The Bio & Agri-Tech Development program aims to enhance the capacity of OIC Member States by providing technical expertise in agricultural technologies for food security and agricultural development. This program fosters collaboration among stakeholders and facilitates capacity-building activities, delivering innovative agri-tech solutions to drive agricultural transformation across OIC Member States.

Background: 

Bio & Agri-Tech Development is the part of the Capacity Building Pillar of the IOFS Strategic Vision 2031 adopted within the 4^th IOFS General Assembly on 8-9 September 2021 in Astana, Kazakhstan. In addition, OIC STI Agenda 2026 outlines a collective approach to competence building across various themes, from water and agriculture to energy and multinational projects, and prioritizes technology and innovations in agriculture. The resolution of the 8th OIC Ministerial Conference on food security and agriculture 2021 emphasized cooperation among Member States, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer for sustainable agricultural development. It highlights the importance of revitalizing the agriculture sector, promoting rural development, and ensuring food security by addressing the needs of smallholders through access to essential resources and technologies.

The situation analysis reveals a landscape where numerous initiatives and agricultural technologies have been introduced across OIC Member States to enhance food security and agricultural development. While these efforts show promise, significant challenges remain, such as infrastructure limitations, high costs, digital divides, regulatory barriers, and economic instability impede the widespread adoption of these technologies. Through focusing on the most contributive areas, we aim to make a meaningful difference by promoting the application of cost-effective agri-technologies, strengthening cooperation among countries, research institutions, and the private sector, and facilitating the transfer and adoption of these technologies.

Goals:

• Increase Adoption of Biotech

Adoption of biotechnology solutions for enhanced agriculture.

• Increase Adoption of Precision Agriculture Technologies

Utilize precision agriculture tools to enhance farming efficiency.

• Develop Cost-Effective Controlled and Open-Field Production Practices

Equip small and medium-sized farmers with affordable and efficient farming practices in controlled and open-field.

• Implement Digital Agriculture Platforms

Facilitate the development and use of digital farm registry platform for improved farm management, data collection, and traceability.

List of implemented activities:

1. The 1^st Youth Forum on Biotechnology on 13-15 September 2022 in Islamabad, Pakistan.
2. The 2^nd International Forum for Agri-Biotechnology on 4-5 July 2023 in Astana, Kazakhstan.
3. The Forum of Advanced Agri-Tech within 2^nd IOFS High-Level Forum on 2 October 2024 in Doha, Qatar.
4. Training on Application of Artificial Intelligence in Precision Agriculture for Food Security on 13-15 February 2024 in Mauritania.

Planned Activities:

• Project “Smart Agriculture: Application of Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Farming” in Kazakhstan.
• Project “Using Biotechnologies for Sustainable Agriculture: Potential of Biochar” in Kazakhstan.
• 3^rd Youth Biotechnology Forum in Bangladesh in November 2024.
• Webinar series on agricultural digitalization, biotechnology innovations and other topics of bio & agri-tech development.

Success Story

1. The 1^st Youth Forum on Biotechnology successfully ignited a focus on youth empowerment in agricultural biotechnology across OIC member states. This momentum carried through to the 2^nd International Forum for Agri-Biotechnology, where collaboration between research institutions was fostered. Participants from these forums are now returning to their home countries and actively raising awareness of biotechnology solutions for agriculture among member countries. This initiative empowers young minds to address the challenges posed by climate change.
2. The Doha Forum of Advanced Agri-Tech, held on October 2, 2024, in Doha, Qatar, was a pivotal event for identifying and showcasing innovative agricultural technologies within OIC Member States. As part of the 2nd IOFS High-Level Forum, it facilitated valuable networking between 110 participants from 23 countries and renowned agri-tech enterprises, experts, and researchers. The forum's sessions on climate-smart agriculture, water management, and emerging technologies fostered collaboration and provided a platform for considering the application of these advanced technologies across OIC nations.