Meknes – Morocco’s farming season is “promising by all standards” after recent rainfall and grain harvest are expected to jump by 41%, to reach 44 million quintals, says Morocco’s Agriculture Minister, Ahmed El Bouari.
Speaking at the International Conference on Water Management for Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture during the 17th International Agricultural Fair in Meknes (SIAM), El Bouari explained that March and early April brought much-needed rain. “It had a very positive impact on the agricultural situation in various regions of the Kingdom despite a difficult start to the season,” he said.
That rain has helped crops grow better and given a real boost to farmers. “The vegetative cover of autumn cereals has greatly improved, especially in the best-suited areas,” the minister added.
El Bouari also pointed out that the rain has helped grass grow back. This will help with raising the herd count, a key goal after years of drought. “This will support the royal message urging citizens to refrain from the Eid ritual slaughter this year, allowing national herds to reproduce and gradually return to pre-2020 levels,” he said.
The ministry is also putting together a full support plan to help herders and improve livestock production. “We are preparing an integrated programme to support breeders and increase national herd productivity, a necessity to achieve food security in this field,” explained Bouari.
The rain hasn’t just helped the land and livestock, it’s also improved the country’s water situation. “The blessed rains of this season have contributed to a tangible improvement in the water situation, which bodes well for a bold irrigation programme this summer,” he said. The government will roll out a new irrigation plan soon, working closely with the Ministry of Water.
At the same talk, Bouari reminded everyone that Morocco has faced its longest drought in recent years. “Our country has experienced, over the last seven years, the longest drought period marked by a severe rainfall deficit, which negatively affected the agricultural sector and rural economy,” he said.
But thanks to early planning and investment under the Green Morocco Plan, the country kept farms running and markets stocked. “We will continue to implement the Green Generation strategy, prioritizing human development and adapting agriculture to national and international changes,” El Bouri said.
A big part of the plan is using water more wisely. The goal is to get more farms using water-saving drip systems, boosting coverage from 54% now to over 70% by 2030.
“We are confident that ensuring irrigation water supplies, in line with the royal directives, will enhance our country’s resilience to climate change and preserve our competitiveness in global markets,” he said.
El Bouari added that “His Majesty has instructed us to ensure drinking water for all citizens and cover at least 80% of irrigation needs across the country, whatever the circumstances.”
Wrapping up, El Bouari said the goal is clear: “To steer discussions toward concrete and realistic proposals to align water and agriculture policies, bolster irrigation efforts, and reduce the agricultural sector’s vulnerability to climate change.”