In response to an oral question in the House of Representatives on “the management of irrigation water intended for national agriculture”, Mr. Sadiki specified that 8 billion dirhams of this amount were allocated to localized and complementary irrigation projects, while 20 billion dirhams were allocated to projects for the extension and modernization of irrigation networks, as well as the desalination of sea water.
The ministry, he stressed, is continuing its efforts, within the framework of the Generation Green strategy, with a view to doubling water efficiency and developing sustainable agriculture.
Mr. Sadiki, in this sense, affirmed that his department is working to develop the supply of water resources through structuring projects focused on the transfer of water and the interconnection of hydraulic basins, which will allow the agricultural sector to mobilize a strategic stock of water of approximately 3 billion cubic meters.
On the other hand, in response to a question on the sustainability of solidarity agriculture projects, Mr. Sadiki indicated that the committees established locally to guarantee the sustainability of solidarity projects, have approved, over the last three years and to date, 43 projects for a total amount of 83 million dirhams (MDH), stressing that eight additional projects are under review, for an amount of 11 MDH.
Furthermore, in response to a question on the government’s plan to address the decline in national cereal production, Mr. Sadiki indicated that the area planted under the direct seeding program has reached 150,000 ha, with a target of reaching one million ha.
Highlighting the major challenge facing cereal production, namely irrigation, the minister noted that 90% of the national production comes from rainfed areas while supplementary irrigation remains necessary to increase productivity.
2024-09-20 12:49:25