Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, Ahmed El Bouari, described the current agricultural season as “unpredictable,” noting it began with early rains across most of Morocco in October, followed by a prolonged drought from November to February with stark regional disparities.
During a parliamentary session on Tuesday, El Bouari, said this led to limited cereal planting, which reached only 3.2 million hectares.
He noted that conditions improved from March, thanks to substantial rainfall and snowfall, which positively impacted agricultural prospects across various regions.
As of June 5, 2025, Morocco recorded approximately 302 mm of rainfall, a 23 percent decrease from the 30-year average but a 14 percent increase from last season.
Water storage in irrigation dams reached 5.2 billion cubic meters, or 37 percent of capacity, compared to 30 percent at the same time last year.
The improved rainfall revitalized vegetation and boosted yields for key autumn crops, especially in suitable zones. It also invigorated spring crops like legumes and oilseeds.
This vegetation recovery enhanced national livestock conditions and provided critical support to herders affected by previous droughts.
To support the season, the government sold 740,000 quintals of certified cereal seeds, up 10 percent from last year, and subsidized 1.34 million quintals of nitrogen fertilizers at reduced prices to benefit 78,000 farmers.
The insured area for cereals, legumes, and oilseeds reached 661,000 hectares out of a planned one million, with 550,000 hectares under multi-risk climate insurance and 111,000 under resilience programs for less favorable zones.
Thanks to recent rains and state support, the cereal harvest is projected to reach 44 million quintals, up 41 percent from last year.
This rebound highlights the sector’s resilience and the dedication of Moroccan farmers. The harvest has already begun, with 21 percent of fields reaped.
The sector is expected to post a 5.1 percent growth rate this year, compared to 4.8 percent in 2024. The positive momentum is also seen in spring crops: 187,000 hectares were planted, and 104 percent of the spring vegetable plan, covering 73,200 hectares, has been completed.
This output is deemed sufficient to meet domestic food demand despite ongoing water challenges.
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