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Completion of 94% of the Cereal Planting Program in the Casablanca-Settat Region
The agriculture sector in the Casablanca-Settat region is witnessing a positive dynamic thanks to recent rainfall, with significant progress in planting operations. As of February 2, approximately 825,953 hectares have been cultivated with fall crops, achieving nearly 94% of the planned area.
According to data from the regional agricultural directorate, the cultivated area consists of 340,898 hectares of soft wheat, 229,060 hectares of durum wheat, and 255,995 hectares of barley. Additionally, the area planted with fodder crops has exceeded 81,410 hectares, representing an achievement rate of more than 88% of the set program, while planting continues on around 45,000 hectares dedicated to legumes.
Furthermore, the planned program for sugar beet cultivation has been implemented over an area exceeding 9,200 hectares in the provinces of El Jadida and Sidi Bennour, which also stand out in vegetable production, particularly potatoes.
Across the region, the area planted with fall vegetables reached approximately 17,440 hectares, exceeding 107% of the planned area, primarily comprising key vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes.
Regarding winter vegetables, approximately 86% of the planned program has been completed, covering more than 14,260 hectares, while 8,105 hectares have been designated for spring vegetables.
This significant dynamism reflects improved conditions for the current agricultural season compared to previous ones, particularly due to the recent rainfall that has revitalized agricultural lands and rekindled farmers’ hopes for a promising agricultural season.
The substantial rainfall recorded in the region since November is a positive indicator for the start of the 2025-2026 agricultural season under favorable conditions. It has helped recover lands from the effects of consecutive years of drought and has shown encouraging agricultural indicators across various provinces in the region.
In this context, the Casablanca-Settat region, like other regions of the kingdom, has experienced significant rainfall recently. As of February 2, the cumulative rainfall average reached approximately 388.8 mm, with notable variations between provinces and within the same province; Ben Slimane province recorded the highest rate of 597 mm.
These rainfall levels represent an exceptional increase compared to the previous season, with a rate of 364% during the same period, surpassing the average recorded during a normal season by 83%.
This rainfall has positively impacted water resources, both in terms of dams and groundwater levels, as well as improving water levels in wells. This directly affects agricultural and pastoral activities, enhancing expectations for improved overall performance in the agricultural season, while its development remains contingent on continued precipitation in the upcoming months.
Due to the significant rainfall recorded during November and December, approximately 92% of the planned program for the current agricultural season has been completed, with the potential for surpassing this program as conditions for accessing farmland improve.
The positive impact of this rainfall extends across various agricultural and pastoral sectors, contributing to improved soil moisture and creating favorable conditions for planting and germination, encouraging farmers to expand cultivated areas, particularly for grains and pulses, alongside fodder crops aimed at livestock feeding, which are a fundamental pillar of the regional agricultural economy.
These rains have also revitalized pastures and reduced pressure on fodder supplies, potentially easing financial burdens and supporting the stability of farmers’ incomes through lower fodder costs and better livestock production conditions, particularly given the direct support launched by the Ministry of Agriculture for livestock breeders, as part of the national program to restructure herds.
For irrigated crops, the recent rains have enhanced the growth of fall and winter vegetables by increasing biomass and reducing immediate irrigation needs, alleviating pressure on groundwater resources, contributing to improved supply in local markets, and achieving relative price stability, especially with the approaching holy month of Ramadan.
In this context, the regional agricultural directorate in the Casablanca-Settat region, in coordination with various partners, continues to support farmers closely by monitoring the agricultural situation and providing technical and awareness-raising support, especially regarding the rational management of water resources, optimal use of agricultural inputs, disease prevention, and encouraging the adoption of agricultural techniques suitable for the region’s characteristics.
Innovative and sustainable agricultural techniques are also encouraged, particularly direct seeding techniques, which have covered approximately 40,000 hectares this season, achieving a completion rate of 60%. This method plays a crucial role in maintaining soil structure, improving its water retention capacity, reducing production costs, and enhancing the sustainability of agricultural systems.
