Morocco has been facing the worst drought in the past 30 years, and the major reason for the drought is record-low rainfall this winter, risking the yearly grain harvest.
The delayed rainfall in the north African country results from the anti-cyclone beating Mediterranean countries such as Spain and Portugal. It risks boosting Morocco’s dependence on imports amid a spike in food prices.
According to ‘Abdelmouman Guennouni’ Moroccan agronomist, “Cereal and legume” production is already convicted this year.
According to Guennouni, the primary reason for the drought is the lack of rainfall and climate crises overexploitation of aquifers resulting in reservoirs recording minimum water levels.
The water level across the country’s waterholes has fallen under 33.9 percent as compared to 62 percent in 2018. However, the second-largest nation, the Al Massira reservoir, now has just 7 percent of capacity.
According to ‘Nizar Baraka’ minister of equipment and water, “This is a structural problem”.
As per ‘Aberrahim Zrouti’, one of the farmers stated that many farmers are praying for the rain to come on his 300 hectares of agricultural land.
The days of December and January are decisive for the wheat crop, but as there is no rain this year, that is why there will be no production. We are expecting losses of 80 percent, said Efe.
Like most of Morocco’s farming land, Zrouti’s farm is based on rainfed agriculture. It is a type of farming that is more dependent on rainfall.
The drought is also affecting not only the agricultural farmers but also the livestock farmers, who are troubled by the increased fodder prices.
The price of a bag of barley has doubled from 230 dirhams (21 euros) to 450 dirhams in the last year, 2021.
According to ‘Guennouni’ EFE, “I Know livestock farmers who are selling their pack because they can no longer put up with the losses.”
