El Bawari: Rainfall Boosts Agricultural Season and Increases Production of Grains and Vegetables
Ahmed El Bawari, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests, praised the recent rainfall and snowfall, affirming that they have positively contributed to improving the agricultural season for 2025-2026, particularly for grains, vegetables, and fruit trees. This has also enhanced the state of pastures and ensured the supply of agricultural products to the national market under favorable conditions.
During a question-and-answer session at the House of Representatives, El Bawari stated that the cumulative rainfall average reached approximately 360 mm as of Monday, marking an increase of 54 percent compared to the 30-year recorded average, and a rise of 215 percent compared to the previous season. The water level of agricultural dams has risen to 8.22 billion cubic meters, with a filling rate of 58 percent, compared to 25 percent last year.
The minister noted that these rains have improved sowing and germination conditions and accelerated agricultural work in rural areas, emphasizing that the current season represents a positive turning point after years of drought.
There has been a notable increase in cultivated areas, with the plowed land reaching 4.5 million hectares, of which 10% is irrigated and 95% mechanized. The area planted with major autumn crops exceeded 4 million hectares, including 3.7 million hectares for grains, 430,000 hectares for forage crops, and 113,000 hectares for legumes. Sugar crops recorded a 24 percent increase, while direct sowing reached 215,000 hectares, reflecting a 27 percent rise.
Regarding vegetables, 100,000 hectares have been cultivated for autumn vegetables, with an expected production of 2.1 million tons. The winter vegetable area will cover 68,000 hectares to ensure market supply between February and June 2026, particularly during Ramadan. For citrus fruits, production has reached 1.9 million tons, marking a 24 percent increase, while chickpeas and olives have achieved record production, with olive production rising by 106 percent, and dates reaching 160,000 tons, an increase of 55 percent.
Concerning the national herd restructuring program, the number of beneficiaries stands at 1.13 million, with a financial allocation of 5.306 billion dirhams. Support payments will continue until the end of February, in preparation for the second phase in April 2026.
El Bawari confirmed that the current season, despite the climate challenges posed by years of water stress, holds indicators of “real relief.” He stressed that the ministry is adopting a proactive approach to ensure effective management of the season through the provision of production inputs, water management, agricultural insurance, financing, and field support for farmers, all aimed at preserving economic and social balances and serving the public interest.
