Morocco continues to prioritize water management as a key strategy to mitigate drought impacts and ensure stable food supply at affordable prices.

The country’s agricultural season looks highly promising following recent rainfall, with grain production expected to rise by 41%—reaching 44 million quintals—according to Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari.

At the 17th International Agricultural Fair in Meknes (SIAM), during the International Conference on Water Management for Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture, El Bouari highlighted the significance of rainfall in March and early April. He emphasized that the precipitation had positively influenced farming conditions across various regions, despite initial challenges in the season.

The rainfall has notably improved crop growth and provided a boost to farmers. “Autumn cereals have developed significantly, especially in regions best suited for their cultivation,” the minister stated.

In addition to benefiting crops, the rain has supported grass regeneration, crucial for increasing livestock numbers after years of drought. “This aligns with the royal directive encouraging citizens to forgo Eid ritual slaughter this year, allowing national herds to repopulate and gradually return to pre-2020 levels,” he noted.

To further strengthen the livestock sector, the ministry is implementing a comprehensive support plan aimed at enhancing breeding efforts and boosting national herd productivity—a necessary measure to ensure food security. “We are preparing an integrated program to assist breeders and enhance livestock production,” said El Bouari.

Beyond agriculture, the rainfall has significantly improved Morocco’s water situation. “These much-needed rains have led to a noticeable enhancement in water reserves, paving the way for a bold irrigation initiative this summer,” he explained. The government is set to introduce a new irrigation strategy in collaboration with the Ministry of Water.

Reflecting on Morocco’s prolonged drought, El Bouari noted that the country had faced the most extended dry period in recent history, spanning seven years and characterized by severe rainfall shortages that adversely affected both agriculture and rural communities.

However, proactive planning and investment under the Green Morocco Plan ensured continued agricultural productivity and market stability. “We remain committed to advancing the Green Generation strategy, focusing on human development and adapting farming practices to evolving national and global circumstances,” El Bouari affirmed.

A central component of this plan is the efficient use of water, with a focus on expanding the adoption of drip irrigation systems. The aim is to increase coverage from the current 54% to over 70% by 2030.
“We are confident that securing irrigation water, as per royal directives, will strengthen Morocco’s resilience to climate change while maintaining its competitive edge in international markets,” he said.
Additionally, El Bouari shared the royal directive to guarantee drinking water for all citizens and secure at least 80% of irrigation needs, regardless of future conditions.

In conclusion, El Bouari emphasized the goal of steering discussions toward practical and actionable solutions that align water and agricultural policies, enhance irrigation efforts, and minimize the sector’s vulnerability to climate change.

The collaboration also incorporates artistic dialogue, including the loan of works from the Île-de-France Regional Fund for Contemporary Art (Frac), fostering connections between European collections and African narratives.

Mehdi Qotbi emphasized Morocco’s unique role as a gateway to Africa and a bridge to Europe—both geographically and culturally. “Art can create bonds where politics falls short,” he remarked. “Welcoming Valérie Pécresse goes beyond diplomacy; it is a meeting of Morocco’s soul, and the vast potential Africa offers the world.”

Pécresse echoed these sentiments, highlighting the deep-rooted cultural and human connections between Morocco and Île-de-France, where nearly a million residents are of Moroccan origin. She also noted that two of her vice-presidents are Franco-Moroccan, demonstrating how intertwined the two regions have become.

The partnership places African artists at the forefront, as Pécresse announced that the director of the Frac Île-de-France collection would act as co-curator for the museum’s inaugural exhibition. “We bring our full support, networks, and commitment to identifying and promoting emerging African artists,” she stated.