Heavy Rainfall in Northern Morocco Revives Farmers’ Hopes for the New Agricultural Season

Various northern provinces experienced significant rainfall over the weekend and on Monday, bringing widespread relief to local farmers and agricultural associations regarding the prospective agricultural season. Activity across these regions is expected to surge in the coming days.

Cities including Ksar El Kebir, Larache, Ouezzane, Chefchaouen, Tetouan, and Tangier registered varying amounts of rainfall on Sunday and Monday, dispelling the doubt and hesitation that had previously cast a shadow over the agricultural sector and its workers.

Abdessalam El Biari, President of the Regional Chamber of Agriculture for the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, expressed optimism about the precipitation recorded across the area. He emphasized that “this rainfall is a promising sign that we pray will continue regularly and in a manner suited to the agricultural season.”

El Biari noted in a statement that these rains will motivate northern farmers to begin plowing and preparing for the planting of cereals and livestock forage, adding that the rainfall encourages farmers to exert greater effort.

He also highlighted that seeds of various types are readily available, pointing out that supplying entities are preparing to launch distribution. These suppliers confirmed in direct discussions with the Chamber that the situation is reassuring and that sufficient quantities are stocked for this year.

Furthermore, El Biari emphasized that Moroccan farmers are awaiting the measures to be implemented by the government and the Minister of Agriculture to provide the necessary support, incentivize productivity, and ensure the sector’s continued vitality and growth.

For his part, Lahcen Sikouk, President of the Association of Cereal and Pulse Producers in the North, voiced satisfaction with the rainfall across northern provinces, noting that while the volume remains limited, its benefits are numerous.

Sikouk outlined the specific advantages, particularly for crops such as sugarcane: “Sugarcane is the primary beneficiary of these current rains, and most farmers who planted it in recent days and weeks will no longer need to irrigate it.”

However, he cautioned that the new season “remains far from an ideal start at this stage because the recorded rainfall is still limited and insufficient.” He expressed hope for further precipitation in the coming days so that cereal planting can proceed under more favorable and encouraging conditions.