Attention is turning to Morocco’s current agricultural season amid expectations of a rebound in national grain production and renewed growth in rain-fed crops following exceptional rainfall in recent weeks.
The Directorate of Financial Studies and Forecasts said last week that above-average precipitation across much of the country has improved prospects for the 2026 agricultural season, with anticipated growth in the output of key crops.
Abdelkader Alaoui, head of the National Federation of Mills, described the current season as “exceptional by all standards.”
“Despite the late arrival of rainfall and the reduction of cereal-planted areas to around 3.5 million hectares, the expected yields will largely compensate for the decline in cultivated surface,” Alaoui said.
He added that recent rains have strengthened confidence in the season’s success and expressed hope for additional precipitation in late March or early April to consolidate current gains. “The available indicators are very positive and reassuring,” he said.
Based on field data, Alaoui projected total cereal production could reach 10 million tons this year. Soft wheat is expected to account for the largest share, with output estimated between 6 and 7 million tons if favorable weather conditions persist.
He said meetings have been held with the Agriculture Ministry and other stakeholders to launch a broad marketing campaign aimed at ensuring a successful harvest and building a strategic reserve of domestic grain. Such efforts, he said, would serve as a catalyst for strengthening Morocco’s cereal sector and encouraging producers.
Kamal Aberkane, a university researcher specializing in agricultural sciences, also described the season as promising due to recent rainfall that helped replenish dams.
He tells Hespress AR the current situation has significantly eased concerns that prevailed in November, when drought conditions reduced dam filling rates to as low as 40% nationwide, and in some cases 10%. Since then, several regions, including Souss-Massa, the Oriental region and Beni Mellal, have seen noticeable improvements in reservoir and groundwater levels.
Aberkane said the agricultural season started late due to drought, leading to reduced planted areas. However, recent rainfall has begun improving crop quality, particularly cereals and export-oriented citrus, helping secure continuity in production chains.
At the same time, he noted that flooding in the Loukkos and Gharb plains, two of Morocco’s most important agricultural areas, damaged crops, including strawberries, red fruits and citrus.
Looking ahead, Aberkane said the full positive impact of improved water availability is likely to become evident during the spring planting season. Rising groundwater levels have restored farmers’ confidence and could encourage an expansion of cultivated areas.
He called for careful agricultural planning that accounts for sudden climate fluctuations to avoid future setbacks.
Morocco is currently pursuing what he described as a realistic water management strategy, focusing on continued storage and efficient use of water resources while remaining vigilant against both droughts and flood risks to safeguard food security.
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