Morocco promotes agricultural development in the Eastern Region
The Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture is strengthening its commitment to the modernisation of hydro-agricultural infrastructure in the Eastern Region with the aim of optimising water management and improving agricultural productivity. This initiative, which will benefit three strategic areas, seeks to guarantee an efficient water supply through the renewal of equipment and the implementation of modern irrigation solutions.
Three key areas for modernisation
The plan includes interventions in three agricultural perimeters with high productive potential. The first area, located in the commune of Sidi Boulenouar, covers up to 400 hectares in a wet year and depends on water from the springs of the Oued Isly. Currently, the water is transported through a deteriorated pipeline of more than 2 kilometres, which requires its replacement or the modification of its route. Recently, an additional well has been created to reinforce the availability of water in the area. The planned intervention includes a comprehensive diagnosis of the infrastructure and the implementation of improvements necessary to optimise irrigation.
The second perimeter, Isly, located in the commune of Sidi Moussa, has more than 1,500 hectares of agricultural land. It has a permanent diversion structure in the Oued Isly, allowing a flow rate of 24 m³/s through a main channel 14 kilometres long, which branches off into 11 secondary channels. A residual flow of 5 m³/s flows into Oued Hachlaf, contributing to the water table through a natural depression in the town of Labsara. In this area, the study will focus on evaluating the capacity of existing structures, as well as proposing solutions to mitigate the risk of flooding and improve water efficiency.
The third perimeter, located in Bni Khaled, covers 64 hectares and has an irrigation system based on an old well that distributes water through semicircular channels. Modernisation in this area will focus on the implementation of underground pipes and the transition to localised irrigation, thus reducing water waste and improving supply efficiency.
A boost to regional agricultural production
The Eastern region is one of the country's main agricultural areas, with a cultivable surface area of 889,450 hectares. Its main crops include olives, almonds, grapes, citrus fruits, date palms, sugar beet and organic products.
In terms of animal production, the region excels in the red meat, dairy, poultry and beekeeping sectors. With the modernisation of the hydro-agricultural infrastructure, it is hoped that the value of these sectors will be enhanced, contributing to the objective of the ‘Génération Green’ strategy of recovering 61% of regional production by 2030.
The implementation of these improvements will not only favour the optimisation of water use, but will also strengthen agricultural resilience in the face of climate change and the country's growing demand for food. With the support of experts and a sustainable approach, the Ministry of Agriculture reaffirms its commitment to agricultural development in the Eastern region.