Morocco Plans 107,000 Hectares of High-Consumption Vegetables and Supports 1.1 Million Farmers
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Ahmed Bouari, announced that the ministry has taken a series of measures to ensure the success of the current agricultural season. This initiative aims to mitigate the effects of climatic conditions on farmers and ensure the sustainability of national production, particularly by providing input factors and supporting farmers.
In a written response to a question by Idris Santisi, head of the Movement’s parliamentary group in the House of Representatives, Bouari explained that the ministry has allocated 5.17 million hectares for major autumn crops, including 4.4 million hectares for staple grains. The ministry also arranged for 1.5 million quintals of approved autumn grain seeds, with 1.2 million quintals provided through the Sonacos company, at subsidized prices to alleviate rising agricultural input costs.
Additionally, the support for approved seeds for food and fodder legumes has been expanded to include new varieties such as triticale, barley, fava beans, forage peas, green beans, lentils, and chickpeas, contributing to production diversification and enhancing farmers’ income.
Regarding fertilizers, the minister reported that 650,000 tons of phosphate fertilizers have been mobilized at the same prices as the previous agricultural season. Furthermore, a million hectares have been programmed for coverage under multi-risk climate insurance for grains, legumes, and oilseed crops, along with 50,000 hectares for fruit trees.
The government official indicated that more than 400,000 hectares have been allocated for direct seeding, with the goal of reaching one million hectares by 2030, and 235 seeders distributed to cooperatives. The implementation of the national supplemental irrigation program continues, aiming for one million hectares to be irrigated additionally.
As for production chains, Bouari confirmed the continuation of support for sugar crops to reach 61,000 hectares, along with the programming of 107,000 hectares for high-consumption vegetables to ensure a reliable supply to national markets.
In terms of financing, measures have been taken to reschedule farmers’ debts while exempting them from fines and collection costs related to irrigation water fees, as well as encouraging investment in the agricultural sector through incentives from the Agricultural Development Fund and the launch of new subsidies.
Regarding livestock production support, the minister clarified that the ministry has adopted a comprehensive approach to support the dairy sector through importing pure heifers, encouraging local production, and prohibiting the slaughter of young females from milking breeds. Similarly, measures affecting the red meat sector include extending the suspension of import duties and value-added tax until December 31, 2025, to balance the purchasing power of consumers with the stability of farmers’ conditions.
In line with royal directives aimed at supporting farmers and enhancing the resilience of the livestock sector, a program was launched to restructure the national herd, with a count of 32.8 million heads of livestock and the identification of approximately 1.2 million farmers nationwide.
A process of numbering the national herd was completed, encompassing 32.3 million heads of cattle, sheep, goats, and camels. This initiative has facilitated the creation of an accurate database to identify beneficiaries of direct support.
Bouari affirmed that around 1.1 million farmers have received direct financial support through bank transfers or money orders, with approximately 5.2 billion dirhams disbursed in the first phase of this program.
The minister also noted that reception offices have been opened at the level of regional directorates and agricultural investment offices to handle complaints from farmers who have not yet received support, aiming for resolution by the specialized committees.
