Morocco anticipates 90 million quintals for 2025-2026 cereal harvest

At the 18th International Agricultural Show in Morocco SIAM, Minister of Agriculture Ahmed El Bouari provided an encouraging update on the current agricultural campaign, which has seen a return of rainfall and improved prospects. After several years of severe drought, rains between January and March 2026 have led to an expansion of cereal-sown areas to nearly 3.9 million hectares, with national cereal production expected to reach approximately 90 million quintals. This positive trend is projected to increase agricultural GDP by about 15% compared to the previous year. Tree crops, including olives, citrus, and dates, are also performing well. Water resources have significantly improved, with dam reserves reaching 13 billion cubic meters, a 75.7% filling rate, enabling a resumption of irrigated agriculture and covering spring and summer crop water needs. El Bouari also highlighted the crucial role of animal production, which supports food security, rural employment, and agricultural incomes. The sector involves about 1.2 million breeders, with a 2025 census showing nearly 33 million livestock heads sheep, goats, cattle, and camels, producing around 530,000 tons of red meat and nearly 2 billion liters of milk annually. The poultry sector is growing, producing 784,000 tons of white meat and almost 6.5 billion eggs, meeting 100% of national market demand. Animal production contributes 35% to agricultural GDP and generates about 135 million workdays annually. In response to drought