Significant Increase in Cereal Production Forecasted
Morocco is set to witness a remarkable increase in its cereal production during the 2026 season, with expectations of reaching approximately 9 million tons. This optimistic prediction is largely attributed to the heavy rainfall that has concluded a seven-year drought, as announced by Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari. During the inauguration of an agricultural exhibition, El Bouari detailed that the harvest will cover an area of nearly 3.9 million hectares, reflecting the positive impact of improved climatic conditions on agricultural output.
Data from the Ministry of Agriculture reveals that the rainfall this winter surpassed the 30-year average by 34%, and was three times higher than the levels recorded in the previous year. This surge in precipitation has facilitated the expansion of land dedicated to cereal cultivation, increasing from 2.6 million hectares in the previous season to 3.7 million hectares this year.
Improved Water Resources and Agricultural Resilience
From June 2025 to January 2026, Morocco's cereal imports experienced a notable 12% rise, amounting to 7 million tons, with France leading as the primary supplier, followed by Argentina, Russia, Germany, and the United States. Furthermore, the country's reservoir levels have significantly increased, exceeding 13 billion cubic meters, marking a dramatic turnaround after years of intense drought. As of April 20, the water reservoir fill rate stood at 75.7%, a stark contrast to the mere 27.6% recorded on the same date last year.
According to data from the Moroccan Ministry of Equipment and Water's platform, "Lama Dialna," the volume of stored water has surged from 4.64 billion cubic meters in February 2025 to over 13 billion cubic meters, representing an increase of more than 180%. This improvement in water storage and agricultural production is expected to alleviate pressure on Moroccan authorities regarding import bills and enhance food security. As Rabat continues to restore balance to its water and agricultural systems following years of drought and water emergencies, the outlook for the upcoming seasons appears increasingly positive.
As reported by aljazeera.net.
