The Kingdom of Morocco is experiencing an unusual heat wave this week, with temperatures expected to hit a maximum of 41 degrees Celsius, well above the average for this time of year, which usually sees moderate temperatures during spring.
The General Directorate of Meteorology has issued a warning bulletin, stating that the high temperatures ranging from 36 to 41 degrees will continue from Tuesday to Thursday in several regions of the country.
This heat wave comes without any indication of rain in the coming days and weeks, putting pressure on the current agricultural season, especially after favorable climatic conditions earlier this year.
Farmers are hoping for rain in April after the land dried up in March. The situation is particularly critical in Gharb region where most crops have reached a crucial period of growth that requires rain.
Rachid Benali, the head of the Moroccan Confederation for Agriculture and Rural Development, warned that “the current heat wave threatens agriculture in all regions of the country, especially the grain crop.”
Speaking to Hespress He said that “cereals are currently in a period of growth and only need cold,” and that “with the current heat wave, we will face a significant decline in the national grain crop.”
The weak agricultural season could adversely impact the national economy, with the agricultural sector contributing about 14% to Morocco’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Last year, the country’s growth was only 1.2% due to a dry season.
The government has set a target of achieving 4% growth this year, but this goal may not be achievable if a weaker agricultural season is recorded.
Additionally, a poor grain crop could lead to higher inflation rates, as seen at the end of February when inflation hit a record high of 10.1%, mainly driven by a 20.1% increase in food prices.
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