Denver- Reports from agricultural experts of Al Moutmir indicate Morocco’s cereal yields for the 2020-2021 year are substantially higher than average. The group reported national yields in cereal increased to an average of 44 Quintals, or around 4400 kilograms per hectare.
A comparison with a control group that was monitored indicates this percentage is about 22% higher. Legumes, such as lentils and chickpeas, showed an increase of 28%. These tests were conducted at several demonstration platforms (PFD) run by the group. Al Moutmir is currently monitoring over 4,404 PFDs across the country.
In addition to the above-average rainfall, OCP launched a fertilizer program that contributed to this increase. The new Integrated Crop Program seeks to fully assess “agro-climatic specificities” at each site. Al Moutmir, which is a program launched by OCP, is employing teams of agronomists to monitor the “performance of each component of the yield,” according to the statement.
OCP claims its new NPK fertilizer mix increased cereal yields by an average of 6% over the traditional fertilizer blends. For legumes, NPK fertilized crops were 9% higher in average yield. Financially, the increased harvest from this year’s improved fertilization will earn farmers about 20% higher than control plots.
Morocco’s political officials have already reported an increase in crop yields earlier this year. With rising global food indexes, Morocco will likely gain greater regional influence as a producer of staple crops, while decreasing dependence onforeign grain imports.
