Agricultural dam reservoirs in Morocco have reached 3.9 billion cubic meters (m³), representing a critical filling rate of only 28%, Ahmed El Bouari, Minister of Agriculture said n response to questions in the House of Councillors about irrigation water availability.
Bouari stated that a water allocation of 713 million m³ has been designated for large irrigated areas, Morocco’s Press Agency (MAP) reported. This has allowed irrigation operations to commence at varying levels in regions such as Loukkos, Gharb, Moulouya, Tafilalet, and Ouarzazate, although irrigation remains limited in the Tadla area.
For areas like Doukkala, Al-Haouz, and Souss-Massa, irrigation is still suspended, pending improvements in dam reserves. The minister noted that recent rainfall in some regions has slightly improved the water situation in certain large irrigated areas.
To address water deficits in several irrigated zones, the ministry has taken measures to ration and optimize irrigation water usage, ensuring a successful current agricultural season.
To address water deficits in several irrigated zones, the ministry has implemented a series of measures, including prioritizing the preservation of fruit trees and permanent crops, granting temporary pumping authorizations based on available groundwater resources, and monitoring water levels in agricultural dams.
The minister mentioned the irrigation sector only uses water resources left in dams after meeting drinking water and other sectoral needs, making it the most affected by restrictions on water use.
Additionally, efforts to accelerate desalination projects have been intensified to ensure potable water supplies and reduce pressure on traditional water resources, thereby directing them toward agriculture.
The minister highlighted ongoing desalination projects under royal directives, aimed at mobilizing 1.7 billion m³ of cleansed sea water to supply coastal cities and reduce dependence on conventional water resources.
Among the key projects underway are the Dakhla station, with an annual capacity of 37 million m³ (70% completion), and the Casablanca station, with a capacity of 300 million m³, including 50 million m³ allocated for irrigation.
Planned facilities include those in the Oriental (300 million m³), Tangier (150 million m³), Rabat (300 million m³), Oum Errabiâ (300 million m³), Tensift (300 million m³), and Souss-Massa (350 million m³, with 250 million m³ dedicated to irrigation).
Medium-capacity stations are also planned for Guelmim, Boujdour, and Tan-Tan.