Morocco sees harvest recovery after years of drought

Morocco’s cereal production is expected to reach around 9 million tonnes in the 2025-2026 agricultural season according to Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari, Moroccan government-friendly Yabiladi reported on 21 April, pointing to a recovery after years of drought.

El Bouari said recent rainfall across the country has supported agricultural activity, with around 3.9 million hectares sown with cereals.

Speaking at the opening of a conference held alongside the 18th International Agricultural Show in Morocco, he said improved rainfall and water conditions have strengthened expectations for the season.

Fruit production has also performed well, particularly olives, citrus fruits and dates, he said. Agricultural GDP is expected to increase by 15% compared to last year.

El Bouari said rainfall and snowfall have raised dam reserves to around 13 billion cubic metres, with a filling rate of 75.7%. Current levels should meet irrigation needs for spring and summer crops, he added.

Morocco has faced several consecutive years of drought, which have reduced cereal harvests and increased reliance on imports, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization. As production depends heavily on rainfall, this season’s improved precipitation marks a shift, supporting higher yields.

Recent rainfall has marked a shift after a prolonged dry period, with improved water and weather conditions supporting a recovery in agricultural activity.

The sector has also received external support as Morocco seeks to stabilise production after drought. The United States recently selected Morocco for a $226 million programme to boost agricultural development and food security.

Morocco has expanded its role in agricultural trade in recent years, including positioning itself as a regional hub for US wheat and increasing exports of products such as saffron to new markets.

El Bouari said improved water availability is expected to support a recovery in irrigated agriculture. He also referred to the launch of a new irrigation programme for the next agricultural season.

Yabiladi, UN FAO, Maghrebi.org