With a predicted increase in wheat and barley production of 62% in the marketing year 2023–24 compared to the previous season, Morocco is preparing for a considerable increase in output. The good news comes after a protracted drought that plagued the nation’s agricultural industry has ended.
According to information from the Global Agricultural Information Network, which was released by the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the US Department of Agriculture, Morocco is anticipated to produce about 3 million tonnes of common wheat, 1 million tonnes of durum wheat, and 1.3 million tonnes of barley in the upcoming year.
The expected wheat output is still below historical averages as a result of the protracted effects of the recent dry periods, despite the numbers showing a major improvement from the drought-stricken years.
The Moroccan government has lately proposed a number of initiatives to support domestic agriculture, realizing how important it is to revive the agricultural industry.
The fresh world wheat crop’s arrival and other reasons for reducing inflationary pressures led the government to decide on May 31 to end its common wheat import subsidy program.
Additionally, import taxes on wheat and barley will be abolished until the end of 2023 in order to promote stock building and guarantee enough market supply.
In an effort to lessen the negative effects of the drought on the agricultural sector, the government unveiled a thorough strategy in June and set aside a sizeable budget of $1 billion.
Through a subsidy program, which will receive half of the cash allotted, the effort seeks to encourage the importation of barley and dairy cattle feed.
According to the FAS, some $400 million will be used to help farmers with the distribution and purchase of inputs, and the remaining $100 million will be used to improve Credit Agricole and farmers’ access to credit.
The actions are anticipated to provide Morocco’s agricultural sector a much-needed boost, ensuring food security and bolstering the country’s economy. The nation will be able to lessen its dependency on imports and increase its self-sufficiency in staple grains thanks to the increase in wheat and barley output.
The FAS assessment emphasized the enormous strides Morocco’s government had achieved in assisting its farmers and reviving the industry. It also highlighted the necessity of persistent efforts and long-term plans to build resilience against upcoming droughts and climate-related difficulties.