Morocco collects over 100,000 quintals of grain daily as harvest gains momentum

Morocco collects over 100,000 quintals of grain daily as harvest gains momentum
Wednesday 17 June 2026 - 19:00

Morocco has surpassed 100,000 quintals of grain collected per day during the second week of June, according to Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari, who presented an update on the 2025-2026 harvest campaign before the House of Councillors on Tuesday.

The minister said that, as of June 15, grain collection operations were progressing steadily across the country, with approximately 84% of the volumes gathered coming from the regions of Casablanca-Settat, Fez-Meknes, and Marrakech-Safi.

El Bouari noted that the National Office for Cereals and Pulses (ONICL) continues to monitor collection, marketing, and quality-control operations. He stressed that the government’s objective extends beyond achieving a strong harvest to also ensuring fair marketing conditions for farmers, improving storage capacities, and reinforcing the resilience of Morocco’s agricultural system against future climatic and economic shocks.

Regarding the commercialization of domestically produced soft wheat, the minister said the government has adopted a strategy centered on prioritizing national production and strengthening food security. Under a joint circular governing the 2026 marketing campaign, the reference purchase price for quality soft wheat destined for industrial mills has been set at 280 dirhams per quintal.

As part of the same approach, Morocco has ended the temporary suspension of customs duties on soft wheat imports for the months of June and July 2026. The government has also signed a binding agreement with industry stakeholders aimed at collecting between 15 and 20 million quintals of domestic soft wheat.

In a measure introduced for the first time, authorities have launched a storage incentive program that grants a subsidy of 3 dirhams per quintal every two weeks for domestically produced soft wheat held in storage. The initiative seeks to encourage the creation of a strategic reserve of up to 8 million quintals, extending national coverage capacity from three months to six months.

El Bouari described the measure as a significant step toward strengthening Morocco’s food sovereignty by shifting from short-term supply management toward the development of a sustainable strategic stock capable of securing national needs under various circumstances.

The ministry is also continuing efforts to expand storage infrastructure through the creation of local grain storage units with a combined capacity approaching 2 million quintals. Investment support for storage infrastructure has been increased from 10% to 25%, while work continues on a comprehensive national strategic reserve system.

The minister highlighted that all necessary measures have been taken to support farmers and facilitate harvesting, collection, and marketing operations. Preliminary data indicate yields ranging between 15 and 57 quintals per hectare depending on the region.

El Bouari emphasized that the current agricultural season marks an important stage in the recovery of Morocco’s farming sector after several consecutive years of drought. He attributed the positive outlook largely to favorable weather conditions, noting that cumulative rainfall reached 571 millimeters by June 12, 2026, representing an increase of 94% compared with the previous season and 45% above the average recorded in a normal year.

He added that the strong rainfall has contributed to improved production prospects and reflects the resilience of Moroccan farmers in restoring agricultural output after years of climatic stress.

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