Morocco’s agricultural sector faced challenges due to drought and delayed rainfall this year with a notable decrease in autumn and winter harvests, said Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, Mohamed Sadiki on Tuesday.
These crops, primarily cereals, experienced a 20% decline in yield and reduced cultivated area from the usual 4 million hectares to just 2.5 million.
However, recent rainfall brings a glimmer of hope with spring crops, including chickpeas, corn, sunflowers, and vegetables, are expected to perform much better.
With 70% of the planned program reaching maturity, these crops are anticipated to meet national food needs throughout the summer.
Regions like Fez Saiss, Loukkos, and Gharb, which received the most rain, are expected to see the most significant improvements in yield.
News is also positive for autumn and winter vegetables as cultivated areas for these vegetables reached 90% of the planned program, ensuring sufficient supply to meet market demands until June.
Fodder crops also reached 470,000 hectares, and food crops covered 109,000 hectares.
The only sector facing a significant shortfall is sugar crops, which due to irrigation limitations in the Doukkala and Tadla regions, their cultivation reached only 22,000 hectares, a 42% decrease from the planned program.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.