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Rabat – Morocco’s agricultural dams currently hold 3.9 billion cubic meters of water, with a filling rate of 28%, Minister of Agriculture Mohamed El Bouari announced on Tuesday during a session in the Chamber of Councillors.
Morocco has been battling an intense drought for nearly six years, plunging the country into a severe water crisis. Rainfall has declined by over 40% compared to normal levels, water reserves have dropped by 75%, and underground water resources are depleting at an alarming rate.
According to data from the Ministry of Equipment and Water, this year’s rainfall has been exceptionally scarce, with national averages ranging from just 31 millimeters to 627 millimeters, well below typical figures.
Amid this persistent water scarcity, El Bouari signaled some of the government’s strategic measures to safeguard agricultural irrigation and address the challenges of dwindling resources.
In the parliament, the minister announced the allocation of 713 million cubic meters of water to major irrigation zones, enabling controlled irrigation in regions such as Loukkos, Gharb, Moulouya, Tafilalet, and Ouarzazate.
However, irrigation remains severely restricted in Tadla, Doukkala, Al Haouz, and Souss-Massa, where operations depend on improved dam reserves.
While recent rainfall has brought slight relief in some areas, acute water shortages persist across much of the country. In response, El Bouari’s ministry has implemented targeted measures to conserve resources and enhance water use efficiency during the current agricultural season.
Key initiatives include prioritizing the preservation of permanent crops like fruit trees, issuing temporary permits for groundwater extraction, and closely monitoring dam levels.
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The government is also investing heavily and betting big on desalination and water transport projects to ensure a sustainable and reliable supply for agricultural needs.
Morocco has fast-tracked the development of desalination plants to bolster its water supply, aiming to produce over 1.7 billion cubic meters of desalinated water annually. These efforts aim to ease the burden on traditional water sources and redirect resources toward agriculture.
Among the key projects is a nearly complete plant in Dakhla, with an annual capacity of 37 million m³, and a major facility in Casablanca, designed to produce 300 million cubic meters, 50 million of which will be dedicated to irrigation.
Additional plants are planned for the Oriental regions, as well as Tangier, Rabat, Oum Errabiâ, Tensift, and Souss-Massa, the latter expected to provide 350 million cubic meters annually, including 250 million for agriculture. Medium-scale stations are also set to be established in Guelmim, Boujdour, and Tan-Tan.
In his recent Throne Speech, King Mohammed VI described water preservation as a national responsibility, urging all Moroccans and stakeholders to actively protect this critical resource.
He called for rational and responsible water use, acknowledging the significant investments made to secure water supplies while addressing issues of waste and misuse.
The monarch also pointed to the role of desalination plants, particularly in the southern provinces such as Dakhla, where these facilities have contributed to economic and social development.
This comprehensive strategy reflects Morocco’s commitment to mitigating the effects of water scarcity while safeguarding the sustainability of its agricultural sector.
