Morocco’s agriculture and water resources take centre stage at SIAM

Morocco is ploughing ahead with a number of radical programs aimed at countering a seven year drought.

Following the inauguration of the 17th edition of the International Agricultural Show of Morocco (SIAM) by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, Morocco’s ministers responsible for agriculture and water resources addressed pressing issues facing the country’s rural and environmental sectors.

Speaking at the opening session of the SIAM in Meknes, Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water Resources, Ahmed El Bouari, alongside Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, laid out Morocco’s key priorities for managing water scarcity and enhancing agricultural resilience.

According to the Moroccon government friendly Atalaylar on April 22nd, the two ministers signed two strategic agreements to reinforce convergence between their ministries and promote sustainable resource governance.

El Bouari stressed the significance of SIAM as a platform for bringing together policymakers, researchers, and experts in search of solutions to water stress which has intensified following seven consecutive years of drought.

He credited proactive measures taken under royal guidance with sustaining agricultural production and securing domestic food supply during these challenging years.

He noted that this year’s agricultural season appears promising, owing to rainfall in March and April which ‘have contributed significantly to improving the Kingdom’s water resources.’

The minister also reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to the Green Generation 2020–2030 strategy, highlighting plans to review the first five years of implementation to better adapt to emerging climate challenges.

‘Thanks to the proactive measures taken by the Ministry, in accordance with royal guidelines, we have been able to maintain agricultural activities and supply the domestic market with food throughout these seasons,’ El Bouari explained, adding that, ‘we are continuing to implement the Green Generation 2020-2030 strategy, starting with a review of the past five years in order to adapt to the new challenges of the future.

Agricultural productivity is expected to rise significantly this year, with cereal output forecasted at 44 million quintals; an increase of 41 percent from the previous year.

Efforts to modernise irrigation systems, support livestock farming, and meet 80 percent of agricultural water demand by 2030 remain central to the government’s vision.

Meanwhile, Baraka outlined Morocco’s water policy, rooted in the vision of King Mohammed VI, which focuses on sustainable dam management, expansion of desalination projects, and greater integration of unconventional water sources.

Among the newly signed agreements, the first aims to enhance the use of climate data in agriculture, facilitating data exchange, applied research, and capacity building.

The second introduces a participatory management framework for the Sais aquifer in the Fez-Meknes region, encouraging regulated water use and more sustainable farming practices.

Both ministers underlined that such cooperation will be key to strengthening Morocco’s resilience in the face of increasing climate-related pressures, and ensuring efficient, equitable water resource management in the years ahead.

Atalayar. Maghrebi