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Rabat–Salé–Kénitra: Heavy rains revive hopes for a successful agricultural season
Recent heavy rainfall across the Rabat–Salé–Kénitra region has renewed farmers’ optimism for the success of the current agricultural season, the Regional Directorate of Agriculture (DRA) said on Friday in Kénitra, stressing that the precipitation will have a positive impact on both crop and livestock production.
According to the DRA, cumulative rainfall in the region reached 342 millimeters as of January 8, compared with 74 mm during the same period of the previous season, representing a sharp increase of 360%. These rains have created favorable conditions for the development of autumn crops and the launch of winter farming programs in an encouraging context.
The precipitation has also significantly boosted water reserves in agricultural dams, helping to secure irrigation supplies for irrigated perimeters. As of January 8, reserves at Al Wahda, Idriss I, and El Kansera dams stood at around 2.61 billion cubic meters, corresponding to a filling rate of 53.5%. This represents an increase of 890 million cubic meters, or +17.9%, compared with the same period last year.
This improved rainfall situation is also expected to raise groundwater levels, ease pressure on well water use, reduce irrigation needs, and lower production costs, particularly for sugar crops, fruit orchards, cereals, and vegetable farming.
In a statement to MAP, Aziz Lamghari, head of the Agricultural Development Division at the Gharb Regional Agricultural Development Office (ORMVAG), said that regional services of the Ministry of Agriculture are closely monitoring the season through field follow-ups and technical support for farmers. This includes nitrogen fertilization operations and preventive and curative measures against weeds, carried out in coordination with institutions such as ONSSA, INRA, and ONCA.
Local farmers have echoed this optimism. Mouad Ouahi, manager of an agricultural holding in Douar Nouirate in the Gharb area, noted that rainfall since September has had an overall positive impact on cereals, sugar crops, and fruit trees, particularly citrus and rosaceae species. Agricultural technician Meloui Smail added that the rains have encouraged farmers to expand cereal-growing areas, especially soft wheat, while improving forage availability for livestock.
The rainfall is particularly crucial for the autumn agricultural campaign, which covers around 784,000 hectares, including 580,000 hectares of autumn cereals, as well as 30,000 hectares of autumn legumes, according to the DRA.
Positive momentum for crops and livestock
As for winter crops, current climatic conditions are expected to accelerate the implementation of the planned program over 12,000 hectares, notably for potatoes (4,400 ha) and onions (950 ha), alongside other varieties. The continuation of spring and summer crop planning aims to ensure a steady supply of essential vegetables throughout the year.
Fruit trees—especially citrus, olive trees, and rosaceae—are also set to benefit from improved tree health and enhanced product quality. Moreover, better pasture vegetation will support livestock, easing the burden on breeders by reducing feed costs, strengthening animal production, and helping stabilize market supply and prices, particularly for red meat.
