فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
During a press conference held yesterday following the government council meeting, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr. Bouari, provided updates on the current agricultural situation in light of declining rainfall and its impact on the ongoing farming season.
The minister explained that the current agricultural season has recorded a 53% rainfall deficit compared to the annual average of the past 30 years. While the country experienced a promising start in September and October, the following two months saw precipitation not exceeding 20 mm, directly affecting vegetation cover and autumn crops—except in the Loukkos region, which maintained a relatively good condition at 25%.
Mr. Bouari highlighted that water inflows into reservoirs since early December have reached only 1.2 billion cubic meters, a significantly low level compared to the annual average. This has resulted in a third consecutive year of declining water reserves. For instance, the water stock in the Doukkala region stands at only 2%, while nationwide agricultural reservoirs have reached just 26%, with most resources being allocated for drinking water rather than irrigation.
Given these conditions, the minister emphasized the urgent need to accelerate seawater desalination projects. Several desalination plants are being constructed along Morocco’s coastline to ensure adequate drinking water supply, allowing traditional water sources to be dedicated to irrigation. Additionally, plans are in place to expand irrigated farmland by approximately 100,000 hectares to bolster food security.
Regarding support measures for farmers, the minister outlined key initiatives, including the provision of 1.3 million quintals of selected seeds and 1.2 million tons of nitrogen fertilizers. Barley subsidies have been set at 2 dirhams per kilogram, while compound feed is subsidized at 2.5 dirhams per kilogram. Support has also been extended to potato, tomato, and onion production to maintain stable market supply.
In terms of cultivated areas, autumn cereal crops currently cover 2.6 million hectares, representing 55% of the targeted goal, while fodder crops have reached 385,000 hectares (71% of the target). Sugar crops cover 36,000 hectares, and autumn vegetable plantations span 97,000 hectares—an increase of 16% compared to the previous season. Specifically, tomato plantations cover 5,700 hectares, onion fields 8,000 hectares, and potato cultivation 30,000 hectares.
The minister reassured that essential vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and potatoes will be available in sufficient quantities during the upcoming Ramadan season. The stock of dry onions currently stands at 156,000 tons, ensuring national demand can be met comfortably. He concluded by commending Moroccan farmers for their resilience in facing these challenging conditions and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the sector and ensuring sustainable agricultural production.
source : fesnews media
