Morocco's Agriculture Minister, Ahmed El Bouari, announced on Tuesday that the nation is poised for a remarkable cereal harvest this year, with predictions suggesting an output of nearly 9 million tonnes. This figure represents more than double the production levels recorded last year. El Bouari's statements, reported by the state-run news agency MAP, highlighted that, "Owing to the significant rainfall, cereal production should reach nearly 90 million quintals" this season, a substantial increase from the previous year's output of just 44 million quintals during the 2024-2025 period.
Agriculture plays a crucial role in Morocco's economy, contributing approximately 12 percent and providing employment for about one-third of the country’s working-age population. The anticipated surge in cereal production comes on the heels of Morocco emerging from a troubling seven consecutive years of drought, which were followed by heavy rainfall that caused widespread flooding in various regions in February and December. The December rains in Safi were particularly devastating, resulting in the loss of 37 lives, while the subsequent February floods in the northwest led to at least four fatalities and displaced over 180,000 individuals.
While Morocco has faced extreme weather events in the past, scientists warn that climate change, fueled by human activities, is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of such phenomena, making droughts and floods more common occurrences. The agricultural sector's recovery is critical not only for food security but also for the overall economic stability of the nation.
As reported by macaubusiness.com.
