Rabat – The projected production of key cereals, including soft wheat, durum wheat, and barley, for the 2023/2024 agricultural season is estimated at 31.2 million quintals, marking a 43% annual nosedive.
According to an update from the Ministry of Agriculture on Friday, the area sown has also dropped by 33%, now covering 2.47 million hectares, with a harvestable area of 1.85 million hectares.
This season’s breakdown includes 17.5 million quintals of soft wheat, 7.1 million quintals of durum wheat, and 6.6 million quintals of barley.
The regions of Fez-Meknes, Rabat-Sale-Kenitra, and Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima are major contributors, accounting for 84% of the nation’s total production.
As of May 22, cumulative rainfall stood at 237 millimeters, 31% lower than the annual average. Agricultural dams are filled to 31% capacity, the ministry’s data showed. It detailed that the current agricultural season faced significant adverse climatic conditions, impacting the sowing of autumn crops.
However, there are positive signs for arboricultural and vegetable crops, thanks to improved weather conditions starting in February, with vegetable production reaching 5.6 million tons.
The agricultural sector continues to ensure a steady supply to the national market, supported by the efforts of the ministry’s climate mitigation programs.
Last month, the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) within the US Department of Agriculture issued a report projecting a significant spike in imports for the 2024-25 season.
FAS’ projections on Morocco’s cereal production were close to those of the Agriculture Ministry, as the US agency predicted a 45% annualized drop in cereal production.
The FAS predicts a staggering 52% surge in wheat imports, totaling 7.5 million tonnes, dwarfing Morocco’s ten-year import average.
Meanwhile, domestic importers are attempting to diversify their procurement strategies in response to mounting instability and payment issues with Black Sea suppliers.
In the previous season, a substantial 80% of Morocco’s wheat imports originated from European Union nations.
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