Morocco forced to import wheat

Six consecutive years of drought have had a negative impact on wheat production in Morocco. The rainfall deficit has resulted in a wheat harvest that should be "well below" the 4 million tons of the previous year, according to Bloomberg. In addition, the cereal harvest should be well below the 7.5 million tons budgeted by the government, noted the president of the Comader, Rachid Benali. According to him, Morocco will have to increase its wheat imports to offset a significant drop in crop yields this year.

The unfavorable weather conditions have also impacted other crops. "Planting problems extend beyond wheat and encompass other vital crops such as cereals and sugar," further aggravating the agricultural problems facing the country, Benali added.

In Morocco, soft wheat accounts for nearly 70% of total wheat consumption in urban areas and 66% in rural areas. Last year, the Moroccan Interprofessional Office of Cereals and Legumes (ONICL) said the kingdom would provide subsidies to import up to 2 million tons of soft wheat between October 1 and December 31. Last June, the Office had set up a restitution system for the import of soft wheat for the benefit of operators. The country’s import needs are estimated at around 5 million tons for this season.