With the onset of the first autumn rains, life has returned to the fields of Morocco. Although the rainfall may be limited, it has been sufficient to instill hope among farmers and agricultural professionals, signaling the imminent start of the new farming season, which traditionally begins in October each year.
As preparations unfold across several regions in Morocco, farmers engage in soil cultivation, seed and fertilizer procurement, and the repair of irrigation channels, as reported by the electronic newspaper Hespress. However, all eyes remain fixed on the sky, as farmers eagerly await additional rains to facilitate the plowing and sowing processes, which will define the landscape of the forthcoming weeks and months, making this season potentially promising.
“Preparations Underway and Seeds Available”
Mouha Archoun, a farmer representative and secretary of farmers in the Kiko area of the Boulemane province (Fès-Meknès region), stated that “preparations for the new season began with the arrival of the first drops of rain.” He explained, in an interview with Hespress, that farmers are starting to cultivate and prepare the land, alongside gathering seeds and fertilizers. The actual plowing and sowing activities are set to commence during October and November, depending on the types of crops, such as barley and other grains.
Archoun noted a “comprehensive preparedness and interest from various stakeholders, including agricultural directorates, agricultural chambers, and relevant authorities.” He confirmed to the newspaper that “there are sufficient quantities of seeds available in the agricultural directorates and markets, at reasonable prices that meet farmers’ needs,” especially following a bountiful harvest of grains at the end of the previous agricultural season.
Being in direct contact with professionals and relaying their concerns, Archoun recorded “positive feedback and impressions following the initial rains,” but quickly added, “farmers, particularly in the Fès-Meknès region, are awaiting cooler temperatures and continued rain to commence sowing.” While he emphasized that “all necessary supplies are available, from direct planting techniques to seeds,” he expressed hope for a good and fruitful agricultural season, thanks to the anticipated rains.
Support for Water Resources
On another note, Mohamed El Azawi, the director of the agricultural chamber in the Souss-Massa region, highlighted that agricultural activity in the region heavily relies on irrigation. This is particularly true for vegetables, early crops, tunnel farming, and greenhouses, in addition to some fruit trees and citrus crops. El Azawi elaborated, in a statement to Hespress about the topic, that “the sources for water supply vary between surface water from dams, groundwater, and seawater desalination techniques.”
He pointed out that “rainfall plays a pivotal and crucial role in supporting and replenishing the groundwater,” which enables farmers to “resume irrigation” in several water basins. El Azawi confirmed that various departments of the Ministry of Agriculture and regional structures have “taken the necessary field and administrative arrangements.” These arrangements, according to the statement made to Hespress, include “rehabilitating water channels and equipping hydro-agricultural structures to be ready for the rains.”
He acknowledged that “the recent rainfall was limited and lasted for only a day or two.” However, he highlighted that agricultural advisory services and the regional agricultural investment office are present in the field to support and guide farmers, expressing hope that “the rains will continue to yield positive results” during this season. As farmers enter the new season with declared readiness and hopes pinned on the sky, preparations are ongoing, and supplies are available. The final verdict will depend on what the coming weeks and months will bring from above.
As reported by hespress.com.
