Despite the recent rainfall, the effects of drought are still continuing, said Moroccan Minister of Agriculture Mohamed Sadiki, announcing that 53% of the area planted with grain, or about 1.6 million hectares have been lost.
Speaking ahead of Parliament, Sadiki stated that only 21% of the nationally cultivated area is in good condition, while 16% of the area is in average condition and 10% is in poor condition.
Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture initiated in coordination with the Ministry of Economy and Finance during April the gradual formation of a reserve stock of wheat that will be placed at the disposal of the National Professional Office for Grains and Cotton.
This strategic stock of wheat will allow covering the domestic demand, and will be added to the current stock in order to meet the country’s needs for a period of 5 additional months.
As for the economic growth, it is projected to slow by 1.1% in 2022, estimated the World Bank in its latest report published on April 14.
This gradual growth comes as a result of agricultural output, which declined by 17.3% due to another severe drought, the World Bank specified.
Drought also could push up Morocco’s import bill and public subsidies, thereby impacting the current account and the budget balance, added the same source.
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