Morocco commits US$1.74B to strengthen agriculture and fisheries sectors

MOROCCO – Morocco’s Ministry of Agriculture has announced a significant US$1.74 billion investment plan for 2025 to bolster the agriculture and fisheries sectors. 

This initiative, outlined by Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari, reflects Morocco’s commitment to sustainable growth and resilience in these sectors amid climate challenges and water scarcity concerns.

Agricultural investments are set to rise by 4% over last year, reaching MAD 14.21 billion (US$1.43 billion). 

A significant portion of this budget, MAD 6.63 billion (US$670.94 million), is earmarked for irrigation projects and the development of agricultural lands, reflecting Morocco’s need to conserve water while ensuring food security. 

Another MAD 6.24 billion (US$631.47 million) will directly support agricultural production efforts, while health and safety within the sector will benefit from MAD 760 million (US$76.91 million).

To foster rural development and tackle social inequalities, Morocco has designated MAD 1 billion (US$101.19 million) to fund the territorial and social disparities reduction program, which will benefit rural and mountainous regions. 

Efforts to enhance connectivity and inclusive growth in these areas will receive an additional MAD 742 million (US$75 million), signalling a strong focus on balanced regional development.

The maritime fisheries sector will also receive a substantial boost, with MAD 359 million (US$36.33 million) allocated. 

To enhance the fisheries industry’s sustainability, the government has introduced new measures to aid farmers and fishers facing water shortages and other obstacles. 

These include securing seeds and fertilisers, expanding agricultural insurance options, and improving irrigation water management.

Morocco’s inland fisheries and aquaculture (IFA) sector also plays a pivotal role in the country’s economic and environmental landscape. With the support of the National Water and Forest Agency (NWFA) and private sector investments, Morocco produces approximately 15,000 tons of freshwater fish annually. 

Initiatives such as floating cage aquaculture in dam reservoirs have empowered aquaculture cooperatives to achieve production capacities exceeding 500 tons annually.

Given Morocco’s semi-arid climate, the aquaculture sector is increasingly focusing on water-efficient systems and integrated agriculture-aquaculture (IAA) models. 

Morocco is innovating in fish farming while conserving precious water resources by utilising hydro-agricultural infrastructure like dams and irrigation storage basins. 

The production of warm-water fish, including species like tilapia and cyprinids, continues to grow, reinforcing the country’s resilience to water scarcity.

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