Transforming Arid Land into Fertile Fields in Dajla
In a remarkable initiative, Morocco is addressing one of the most pressing challenges of agriculture in the arid regions of North Africa: water scarcity. The country has embarked on an ambitious project in Dajla to desalinate water from the Atlantic Ocean, aiming to irrigate over 5,200 hectares of land. This innovative approach not only signifies a shift in agricultural practices but also represents a critical step toward sustainable farming in one of the driest areas of the continent.
The Moroccan Agricultural Development Agency has recently launched a call for 35 agricultural projects covering approximately 1,090 hectares in Bir Anzarane, part of a larger ongoing initiative that has been in development for several years. This project is notable for its strategy to solve the water scarcity issue by directly sourcing water from the ocean, desalinating it, and transporting it to farms, rather than relying on dwindling groundwater reserves. Moreover, the energy required for this desalination process is expected to be sustainably sourced from a nearby wind farm, highlighting the project's commitment to renewable energy.
Utilizing Atlantic Water for Sustainable Agriculture
The planned agricultural area spans about 5,196.56 hectares, equivalent to nearly 52 million square meters of land, with the goal of transforming vast stretches of arid land into productive agricultural fields. The desalination plant associated with this initiative is designed to process around 100,000 cubic meters of water daily. Annually, the project aims to produce approximately 37 million cubic meters of water, with about 30 million allocated for irrigation purposes, while the remainder will address the potable water needs of Dajla and the future Atlantic port in the region.
Water availability addresses a significant challenge, but a crucial question arises: what crops will Morocco cultivate on this newly irrigated land? The majority of the area is earmarked for horticultural products, with around 70% planned for staple crops such as round tomatoes and onions. Additionally, the project will explore various agricultural products and organic farming methods. Dajla has already demonstrated agricultural potential, growing items like tomatoes, melons, and blueberries. However, the reliance on groundwater has its limits, as indicated by regional agricultural studies recommending a cap on exploitation to preserve water resources. This underscores the importance of finding alternative water sources to expand agricultural land sustainably.
The ambitious forecasts predict that once fully operational, the project will yield over 400,000 tons of agricultural produce each year, catering to both the national market and export opportunities. The initial phase of the project began in 2022, and the process has seen multiple calls for proposals, including a recent one in June 2026 for an additional 1,090 hectares. These projects are structured through a public-private partnership model, allowing for a diverse range of agricultural ventures to emerge.
In essence, Morocco's strategic decision to desalinate water from the Atlantic and utilize it for irrigation purposes aims to alleviate the pressure on underground water sources while expanding agricultural practices in Dajla. This innovative blend of ocean water, desalination technology, an irrigation network, and wind energy paints a hopeful picture for the future of agriculture in the region, where crops like tomatoes and onions can flourish thanks to a resource that previously seemed unfeasible for large-scale irrigation.
As reported by okdiario.com.
