Harvest bottlenecks push Moroccan farmers into race against fire and rising costs

Moroccan farmers are facing a shortage of harvesting machinery and sharply higher operating costs as the grain harvest accelerates, raising concerns that crops could be lost to delays, wildfires and rising temperatures.

Agricultural union officials say the cost of renting a combine harvester has climbed to between 1,000 and 3,000 dirhams per hour this season, significantly increasing pressure on producers despite a strong harvest outlook.

Idriss Adda, deputy secretary general of the National Agricultural Sector Union affiliated with the Moroccan Labour Union (UMT), said the mismatch between harvesting costs and wheat prices was becoming increasingly difficult for small farmers.

The government’s reference purchase price for soft wheat remains at 280 dirhams per quintal, while market prices for durum wheat range between 320 and 380 dirhams.

Adda argued that the problem reflects deeper structural divisions within Moroccan agriculture, where large modern farms have greater access to mechanization and public support than small producers.

Although the Green Generation strategy expanded subsidies covering between 30% and 50% of agricultural equipment costs, many small farmers still struggle to secure financing or benefit from support programs.

The issue has gained urgency following a series of crop fires reported in recent days across several agricultural regions. Farmers warn that long waiting times for harvesting equipment leave fields exposed to fire and weather risks at a critical stage of the season.

Abdelhay Lamghari, manager of an agricultural cooperative in Driouch, said demand for combines has surged after favorable rainfall expanded cultivated areas and boosted expected yields. He also cited higher fuel costs and labor shortages as key drivers of rising harvesting expenses.

Labor availability has also become a growing challenge. Years of drought prompted many seasonal workers to leave rural areas, reducing the workforce available during harvest periods and pushing wages higher.

Union representatives are calling for stronger support measures, including greater access to harvesting machinery through cooperatives, targeted fuel assistance and reforms aimed at improving profitability for small farmers.