The replenishment of Morocco’s dam reserves due to recent rainfall, particularly in the Sebou and Loukkos basins, is expected to boost irrigation across key agricultural areas during the growing season, Ahmed El Bouari, Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, announced on Monday in Rabat while addressing the Lower House.
As of October 25, Morocco’s agricultural dam reserves had reached 3.77 billion cubic meters, or about 27% of their overall capacity.
El Bouari said that allocated water volumes will enable farmers to expand irrigated crops, revitalizing national market supplies and generating more jobs for the rural populace.
Addressing the current agricultural season in the House of Representatives, El Bouari noted that the planned irrigation area covers 400,000 hectares in major zones, with an additional 300,000 hectares under small and medium-scale irrigation.
The Minister also announced new irrigation programs in several areas, including Moulouya, Gharb, Loukkos, Tafilalet, Ouarzazate, and parts of Tadla and Souss-Massa.
He also noted that government support for sugar crop producers will continue, providing 45,000 hectares to boost rural economies in irrigated areas and create jobs. Support will also extend to potato, tomato, and onion cultivation, ensuring affordable prices and targeting around 110,000 hectares for various vegetables.
To address the high prices of essential vegetables and animal products, El Bouari announced measures to reduce the cost of meat, including prohibiting the slaughter of female cows and continued subsidies for livestock feed.
The minister further noted plans to introduce a legal framework to better structure livestock production, with strict guidelines for managing artificial insemination in collaboration with industry professionals.
To implement these initiatives, El Bouari confirmed financing of MAD 12 billion from the Crédit Agricole Group.