Nurturing Agricultural Resilience: Insights from Minister Sadiki's Address
In a detailed briefing presented to the House of Counselors in Rabat, Mohamed Sadiki, the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forestry, illuminated the current landscape of the agricultural sector. His focus encompassed the ongoing spring crop season and the proactive governmental strategies aimed at alleviating hurdles encountered by farmers.
As of May 31, 2024, Minister Sadiki reported that the water reserves in agricultural dams stood at approximately 4.16 billion cubic meters, showing a slight decrease from the previous season's 4.22 billion cubic meters. However, the overall reservoir fill rate remained stable at around 30%.
Addressing precipitation levels, Sadiki disclosed that the cumulative rainfall averaged 237 millimeters, a figure consistent with the same period last year. Yet, it marked a notable 33% decline compared to the three-decade average of 355 millimeters.
The minister acknowledged the favorable impact of March's rainfall on the sowing of major spring crops, which include chickpeas, corn, sunflowers, dry beans, and vegetables. To date, approximately 144,000 hectares have been cultivated, representing 89% of the targeted 161,000 hectares.
In regards to the spring vegetable program, Sadiki revealed that cultivation had expanded across 57,000 hectares by the end of May, covering 83% of the planned program. He reassured stakeholders that production should meet consumption demands during the forthcoming summer season.
Highlighting specific crop varieties, Sadiki noted that onions dominated with approximately 15,540 hectares, followed by potatoes (8,807 hectares) and tomatoes (4,308 hectares). The minister expressed contentment with the current vegetative status of spring crops.
Recalling extraordinary measures introduced since July 2023 to alleviate farmers' difficulties and support production costs, amounting to 10 billion dirhams, Sadiki elaborated on the allocation of 4 billion dirhams for nitrogen fertilizer subsidies. This initiative has aided 84,000 recipients, with 1.47 million quintals (49% of the program) distributed. Additionally, the government continues to provide assistance for laboratory analyses of soil, water, and plants.
Moreover, Sadiki emphasized the subsidization of tomato, potato, and onion seeds and seedlings, covering 50% to 70% of the purchase price. The cultivated area is divided among potatoes (60%), onions (33%), and tomatoes (7%).
As the spring season progresses, the ministry's concerted efforts strive to ensure a prosperous harvest and bolster the agricultural community's resilience in navigating prevailing challenges.