Agriculture in Morocco: A Vital Sector with a Promising Future
Agriculture is one of the most important sectors in Morocco’s economy. It plays a significant role in creating employment opportunities, especially in rural areas. Morocco has approximately 8.7 million hectares of arable land, with cereals accounting for about 57% of this area. However, the dominance of cereal crops poses challenges to agricultural diversification, particularly due to low rainfall levels in some regions.
The Green Morocco Plan: A Transformation in Moroccan Agriculture
To address these challenges, Morocco launched the Green Morocco Plan—an ambitious strategy aimed at improving land use and increasing added value through innovative agricultural projects. These include the cultivation of fruit trees and forage crops. The plan is designed to diversify agricultural production and promote sustainable development across the sector.
Morocco as a Major Exporter of Agricultural Products
Morocco is a leading exporter of agricultural goods, particularly to European Union countries. Key export products include citrus fruits, fresh, frozen, and processed fruits and vegetables, fresh tomatoes, and canned vegetables. These agricultural exports significantly contribute to international trade and are a major source of national income.
Agricultural Production and Food Consumption in Morocco
Morocco has achieved self-sufficiency in several essential food categories, meeting 100% of domestic demand for milk, meat, and vegetables. However, the country still relies partially on imports for certain products, such as cereals (60%) and sugar (43%).
Water Infrastructure Supporting Moroccan Agriculture
Morocco boasts an advanced water infrastructure to support agricultural activities. The country has 139 dams with a total capacity of 15.2 billion cubic meters, of which 13.3 billion cubic meters are allocated for irrigation. These dams play a crucial role in boosting agricultural productivity, especially in water-scarce areas.
Agricultural Diversity in Morocco
Moroccan agriculture is known for its rich diversity. The country cultivates over 1 million hectares of olive trees, more than 250,000 hectares of vegetables, and around 125,000 hectares of citrus fruits. Morocco also has a livestock population of approximately 28 million heads, 66% of which are sheep—contributing significantly to national food security.
The Role of the Ministry of Agriculture
The Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests plays a central role in shaping and implementing Morocco's agricultural policies. Its key initiatives focus on enhancing productivity, encouraging agricultural investment, and ensuring sustainable management of natural resources to achieve broader economic development goals.
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