- A forecast production of main cereals estimated at 31.2 Mqx
- Good performance of market gardening and tree crops
- The livestock sector maintains its balance
In parallel with the continuation of development efforts in the agricultural sector as part of the implementation of the Generation Green strategy, the ministry has taken a series of measures and provisions to ensure the smooth running of the 2023-24 agricultural campaign and strengthen supporting the development of agricultural sectors in very restrictive and difficult climatic conditions.
These measures relate in particular to the supply of production factors (seeds and fertilizers), the development of agricultural sectors, the management of irrigation water, agricultural insurance, financing and support for farmers.
Thus, nearly 1.1 million quintals of certified cereal seeds were placed on the market at subsidized prices of 210 dh/quintal for soft wheat and barley, and 290 dh/quintal for durum wheat.
And in line with the High Royal Instructions, the ministry has implemented a program to reduce the impact of the rainfall deficit, aiming to safeguard plant and animal capital. As such, a financial subsidy was mobilized for the benefit of farmers for the acquisition of nitrogen fertilizers, seeds and plants of round tomatoes, onions and potatoes, in order to ensure the normal and regular supply of markets for agricultural products.
Furthermore, the department continued to encourage investment in the agricultural sector through the granting of incentives under the Agricultural Development Fund (FDA) and the launch of new incentives as part of the implementation of the Generation Green strategy.
Concerning agricultural insurance, the program made it possible to reach 1 million hectares of areas covered with cereals, legumes and oilseeds.
Difficult climatic conditions having impacted crop production cycles.
The 2023/24 agricultural campaign is part of a climatic sequence of five very difficult years. The temporal distribution of precipitation was characterized by a delay in rain leading to a long drought at the start of the season, negatively affecting the sowing of autumn crops. In the sown areas, the stage of cereal emergence from November was marked by the scarcity of rains, which impacted the growth and development of the crops planted. The episode of rains recorded from February also favored the tillering and rising of cereals, particularly in the northern regions of the Atlas Mountains and Oued Oum Rabii.
Furthermore, the significant variation in minimum and maximum temperatures which marked the campaign led to disruptions in crop production cycles. Thus, the rise in temperatures during the month of November, combined with the lack of rain, accentuated water stress in several cereal-growing areas of the Kingdom and caused significant losses in cereal crops, particularly in the Casablanca-Settat region.
The national cumulative rainfall as of May 22, 2024 is nearly 237 mm, down 31% compared to a normal campaign (349 mm) and an increase of 9% compared to the previous campaign (217 mm) on the same date. . The filling rate of dams for agricultural use nationally is around 31%, compared to 30% the previous campaign on the same date.
Apart from the Gharb and Loukkos regions where irrigation was maintained at a correct level, the other large areas suffered severe restrictions or even a cessation of irrigation.
A forecast production of main cereals estimated at 31.2 Mqx
The area sown with main cereals for this campaign is 2.47 million hectares compared to 3.67 million hectares in 2022/23, a drop of 33%. The harvestable area is estimated at 1.85 million hectares, or nearly 75% of the sown area.
With a forecast average yield at the national level of 16.9 Qx/Ha, the forecast production of the three main cereals for the campaign is estimated at 31.2 million quintals compared to 55.1 million quintals in 2022/23, in decrease of 43% compared to the previous campaign. By species, the forecast production is:
- 17.5 million quintals for soft wheat;
- 7.1 million quintals for durum wheat;
- 6.6 Million quintals for Barley.
In terms of regional distribution, three regions contribute 84% to national production; Fez-Meknes at 37.1%, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra at 28.9% and Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima at 18.2%.
Good production in the arboricultural and market gardening sectors
The improvement in climatic conditions from February coincided with the fruit setting and flowering stage, which helped promote the development of tree crops.
With regard to market gardening, maintaining the crop rotation program at satisfactory levels despite difficult climatic conditions and restrictions on irrigation in certain irrigation areas has made it possible to maintain supply at satisfactory levels. Indeed, market gardening production during the summer, autumn and winter seasons made it possible to cover the needs of the national market for vegetables, notably tomatoes, onions and potatoes, with a production of the order of 5.6 million tonnes.
The good weather conditions in March will have positive effects on spring rotations and will ensure normal and regular market supplies for the coming months.
Support measures for the livestock sector and arrangements for Eid Al Adha
Overall, the livestock sector maintains its balance thanks to the measures taken by the Government and the implementation of the program to reduce the impact of the rainfall deficit in accordance with the guidelines of His Majesty the King, may God assist him. This program concerns the distribution of subsidized barley and subsidized compound feed for the benefit of breeders, as well as the development and equipment of water points for watering livestock.
In addition, the suspension of customs duties and VAT, in addition to the subsidy for the importation of sheep, allowed a regular supply of animal products to the national market.
The measures taken in view of Eid Al Adha, in particular the subsidy for sheep imports, will help ensure supply for the continued supply of the market. The Eid Al Adha preparation program is available throughout the national territory.
Contribution of the agricultural sector to the national economy
Despite difficult climatic conditions, for the third consecutive campaign, and widespread water stress, the agricultural sector continues to ensure a regular supply of the national market thanks to the strong mobilization of the Ministry’s services and professionals in the sector.
