The Agricultural Sector: Morocco Anticipates Production of 44 Million Quintals of Cereals This Season
The agricultural sector in Morocco is expected to record a projected growth in added value of 5.1% during the agricultural season 2024-2025, compared to a contraction of -4.8% recorded in the previous season, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests in a statement made on the sidelines of the 17th International Agricultural Show (SIAM).
The ministry stated that “the added agricultural value is expected to grow by 5.1%, compared to -4.8% in the past season, thanks to the joint efforts between the ministry and sector professionals, and considering the positive impact of improved climate conditions on production chains.”
Despite a difficult start to the current agricultural season, significant rainfall recorded in March and early April contributed to correcting the situation, particularly for cereals, the ministry added.
In this regard, the national rainfall average reached 293 mm, marking an increase of 19% compared to the previous season, and a decrease of 18% compared to a normal season.
The temporal distribution of rainfall this season was characterized by early precipitation in October, which helped facilitate autumn planting; however, it was followed by a long dry period from November to February, accompanied by rising temperatures in November.
The situation only improved starting from March when heavy rains and snowfall encouraged the growth of autumn cereals.
Thus, the area planted with major cereals this season reached 2.62 million hectares, compared to 2.47 million hectares in 2023/2024, an increase of 6%.
The expected productivity of the three main cereals during the 2024-2025 season is estimated to be around 44 million quintals, compared to 31 million quintals in the previous season, reflecting an increase of 41%.
By type, the expected productivity distribution is as follows:
– 24 million quintals of soft wheat
– 10 million quintals of durum wheat
– 9.5 million quintals of barley
At the regional distribution level, three regions contribute 80% of national production, namely:
– Fes-Meknes (36%)
– Rabat-Salé-Kénitra (28%)
– Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceima (16%)
