Recent rainfall gives Moroccan farmers hope after prolonged drought

The recent rainfall that blessed most Moroccan fertile lands gave farmers hope after a prolonged drought compromised this year’s harvest.

The rainfall coupled with snow in the mountains improved the dam filling rate to 30% on March 10, from 26% last year.

While the rain could have a limited impact on grains, spring crops will largely benefit from the godsend water.

The rain has also improved pasture, relieving livestock farmers, especially sheep owners, who brace for sluggish activity this year after the King urged citizens to forgo the rite of sheep sacrifice this year, due to a 38% drop in the cattle herd in less than ten years.

Years of drought pushed Morocco to prioritize drinking water over irrigation, leading to many main farming areas such as Doukala to rely on underground water.

In some areas, like Souss, underground water has been depleted with many citrus farms halting activity.

Years of drought have also impacted Morocco’s unemployment rate, which surged to 13.3% last year.