Agriculture in Morocco: A Vital Sector and Promising Future

 

Agriculture in Morocco: A Vital Sector and Promising Future

The agricultural sector in Morocco is one of the most important economic sectors, contributing significantly to job creation, especially in rural areas. The cultivable agricultural area in Morocco is about 8.7 million hectares, with cereals representing 57% of the cultivated land. However, the dominance of cereals in agricultural land has presented challenges for agricultural diversification, especially due to low rainfall in some regions.

The Green Morocco Plan: A Transformation in Moroccan Agriculture

To address these challenges, Morocco launched the Green Morocco Plan, an ambitious program aimed at improving land use and increasing added value through innovative projects like fruit tree cultivation and pastoral crops. This plan seeks to diversify agricultural production in Morocco and achieve sustainable development in the sector.

Morocco as a Major Exporter of Agricultural Products

Morocco is considered a major exporter of agricultural products, particularly to European Union countries. The most significant products Morocco exports include citrus fruits, fresh, frozen, and processed fruits and vegetables, fresh tomatoes, and canned vegetables. These products contribute to international trade and are key revenue sources for the country.

Consumption and Production in Morocco's Agricultural Sector

Morocco achieves food self-sufficiency in some key areas, ensuring 100% of local demand for milk, meat, and vegetables. However, there is still partial dependence on imports for certain products such as cereals (60%) and sugar (43%).

Water and Agricultural Infrastructure in Morocco

Morocco boasts an advanced water infrastructure to support agriculture, including 139 dams with a total capacity of 15.2 billion cubic meters of water, 13.3 billion cubic meters of which are dedicated to irrigation. These dams play a crucial role in improving agricultural productivity in water-scarce regions.

Diversity of Agricultural Production in Morocco

Morocco’s agricultural production is highly diverse, with the country growing one million hectares of olive trees, over 250,000 hectares of vegetables, and 125,000 hectares of citrus fruits. Additionally, Morocco has a livestock population of about 28 million heads of livestock, 66% of which are sheep, contributing to the country’s food security.

The Role of the Ministry of Agriculture in Developing the Sector

The Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests plays a crucial role in formulating and implementing agricultural policies in Morocco. The ministry works to enhance productivity, encourage investment in agriculture, and ensure sustainable natural resource management to achieve economic development in the country.