Recent rainfall in several regions of Morocco has significantly increased dam filling levels, according to the Ministry of Equipment and Water.
As of September 23, 2024, the national dam fill rate reached 29%, translating to over 4.86 million cubic meters of reserve volume—an increase of more than three percentage points compared to the same time last year.
The rainfall has primarily benefited the Southeast and Oriental regions, with substantial improvements noted in the Guir Ziz Rheris, Draa Oued Noun, and Moulouya basins.
Data from the Guir Ziz Rheris Hydraulic Basin Agency indicate that from August 23 to September 21, 2024, water reserves in local dams accumulated 132 million cubic meters due to significant rainfall.
Among the key reservoirs, the Hassan Eddakhil dam holds 70 million cubic meters, while the Kaddoussa dam has received 52.7 million cubic meters.
Additionally, the Todgha and Timguit dams recorded inflows of 5.2 million and 4.2 million cubic meters, respectively.
The recent rains are expected to enhance prospects for the upcoming agricultural season.
Mohamed El Yacoubi, Director of the Regional Directorate of Oriental Agriculture, reported that dam capacities have surged from 155 million to 288 million cubic meters, adding 133 million cubic meters—30% of the irrigation needs for the Lower Moulouya basin.
El Yacoubi noted that three dams—Oued Za, Sfisef, and Rkiza—have reached maximum capacity. The latter two are part of an interconnected hydraulic system developed through a Ministry of Agriculture investment program.
Their current capacity of 37 million cubic meters will support irrigation for 2,100 hectares in the Figuig oases, ensuring water for at least three agricultural seasons.
Moreover, the reserves of four dams supplying irrigated areas in the northern Oriental region—Mohammed V, Hassan II, Machraa Hammadi, and Oued Za—have also improved, reaching a total of 300 million cubic meters.
These reserves will benefit 33,000 hectares of orchards, with two-thirds dedicated to citrus groves, alongside vineyards, olive trees, vegetables, and sugar beets.
El Yacoubi emphasized that the early rains are a promising start to a fruitful agricultural season, noting that over 80% of small- and medium-scale hydraulic projects developed under the Generation Green strategy are already benefiting from the rainfall.
He also highlighted the positive impact of these rains on groundwater levels and pasture vegetation, which could help reduce costs for farmers while improving livestock production and the quality of locally sourced meat.
The region’s rich livestock resources, along with enhanced forest and semi-forest areas, are expected to benefit from the rains, particularly for aromatic and medicinal plants.
Additionally, beekeepers are likely to see increased hive productivity and improved honey quality as a result of the favorable weather conditions.
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