Morocco's Ambitious Irrigation Expansion: Cultivating a Sustainable Agricultural Future

In a bold move to address ongoing water scarcity concerns, Morocco has unveiled plans to significantly expand its water-saving irrigation systems. The initiative, announced by Mohamed Sadiki, Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, aims to cover one million hectares with advanced irrigation technology by 2030.

Speaking before parliament, Sadiki outlined a comprehensive strategy to enhance water efficiency and bolster the sustainability of irrigated agriculture. The plan encompasses several key components, including the expansion of irrigation downstream from dams across 70,000 hectares and the rehabilitation of small and medium hydraulic perimeters over 200,000 hectares.

To augment water supply, the ministry intends to construct new dams and establish desalination plants, potentially irrigating an additional 120,000 hectares. Sadiki also highlighted structural projects focused on water conveyance and inter-basin connections, which are expected to yield approximately one billion cubic meters of water.

These concerted efforts are projected to amass a strategic water reserve of about 3 billion cubic meters for the agricultural sector, a crucial step towards ensuring food security in the face of climate challenges.

The minister reported significant progress already made, with total irrigated areas in Morocco now spanning 1.8 million hectares. Modernization efforts have upgraded irrigation networks across 175,000 hectares, predominantly benefiting smallholder farmers who comprise over 80% of the beneficiaries. Furthermore, 850,000 hectares have been equipped with water-efficient drip irrigation systems.

Acknowledging the pressing need for water conservation, Sadiki emphasized the importance of prioritizing the preservation of fruit trees and permanent crops. He also stressed the need for rationalized water use through collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

The urgency of these measures is underscored by Morocco's ongoing struggle with drought conditions, which have significantly impacted rainfall-dependent agriculture. The persistent rain deficit has led to a contraction in autumn and winter sowing areas, with cereal crops bearing the brunt of the impact. Land allocated to cereal cultivation has diminished by 31% compared to typical agricultural seasons.

As Morocco forges ahead with this ambitious irrigation expansion, the country sets its sights on a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future, adapting to the challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity.