Agriculture in Marrakech-Safi shows clear signs of growth after heavy rains

MOROCCO – Farmers in Morocco’s Marrakech-Safi region have reason to feel hopeful as the 2024-2025 agricultural season shows solid gains.

Local officials say sustained rainfall and wider efforts to support producers have changed the early mood on fields once hit hard by dry spells.

The Regional Directorate of Agriculture reported data that shows more rain than usual so far this season. That moisture has lifted soil water levels and helped farmers prepare land and plant crops more evenly across the region.

Officials also pointed to stronger dam levels that support irrigation needs. While water scarcity remains an ongoing challenge, the recent rains gave farmers a chance to work their land more smoothly.

Rain and soil conditions improve field work

Rains in late 2025 and early 2026 brought 161.6 millimeters of water to the area, a gain over both the long-term average and figures from last season.

Farmers welcomed the wetter conditions. “The rain came at the right time. It made soil softer and easier to work with,” said one grower from outside Marrakech. “We can now plant more evenly and expect better crop stands.”

Officials said the rain helped fill local dams to about 553 million cubic meters. That level covers about 31 percent of total capacity. Although that still leaves room for improvement, the added water gives farmers more room to plan seasonal work.

Crop planting moves ahead

Local authorities also reported progress in seed distribution and planting programs. So far more than 74,000 quintals of seeds have reached growers out of an allocation of 113,500 quintals. That distribution helps farmers spread essential crops like cereals and early vegetables.

Winter cereal planting covered more than 720,000 hectares of land, with field preparation done on more than 815,000 hectares. Those efforts place the region on track to manage its crop rotation and feed supply into mid-2026.

Market gardening has seen slower movement, with around 1,600 hectares prepared. Onions and potatoes made up the bulk of planted areas. Officials said weather and water access will guide how fast more crops move into the ground.

Livestock gains and support funds

Rain also revived rangeland vegetation after years of decline. Many livestock farmers said they feel relief at seeing more grass for feed. “The pastures look alive again. Our animals find more to eat close to home,” said a herder in a rural community.

National programs also moved forward on livestock registration. By the end of 2025, authorities recorded 32.3 million animals under the identification plan. The list links farmers to direct support funds.

Nearly 1.1 million farmers qualify for help. The first funding round had a budget of about 5.5 billion dirhams (about US$550 million). Authorities have sent out about 5.2 billion dirhams (about US$520 million) so far to growers and herders by bank transfer and money order.

Officials told farmers that complaint channels remain open for those who did not receive funds or have questions. They said teams will work with local partners to sort records and respond under set rules.

As the season continues, many in the region say they now see signs of steady improvement after tough years of dry conditions and uncertainty.

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