A study by Morocco’s National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) revealed that Morocco should establish an inter-profession for the leguminous industry.

Scientists from this institution formed a consortium with scientists of the International Centre for Agricultural Research in Arid Areas, the Hassan II Veterinary and Agricultural Institute, the OCP Foundation and the International University of Rabat to carry out the study. The consortium, which is a product of the Morocco-India initiative for the development of edible leguminous (IMILA), also suggested the implementation of a contract-programme dedicated to the sector. Efforts must also be made for the prospection and valorization of leguminous crops.

The study comes at a time where land to grow leguminous crops is reducing and production stagnates, Leseco.ma reports. It should be highlighted that 2016 has been declared as the “international year of leguminous” by the UN’s 68th general assembly.

Aaron Akinocho