Agriculture accounts for 18 % of Moroccan GDP and employs 10 % of active population
Morocco, Agriculture, 5/12/1999

Agriculture accounts for 18% of the Moroccan GDP, 30% of export receipts and employs 40% of Morocco's active population, said Morocco's minister of agriculture, rural development and fisheries.

In a presentation at the meeting of agriculture and fisheries ministers of the International Center of Mediterranean Agronomic High Studies held in Rome on Tuesday, the minister said over two thirds of Moroccan farming land are small plots of less than 5 hectares.

The presentation that was read by the Moroccan ambassador to Italy stresses that Moroccan agricultural policy seeks to improve the income of farmers, contribute to achieving food security in the country, integrate agriculture in the national and international economy, preserve natural resources and promote the status of rural women.

The minister went on that achieving these goals requires that some constraints be addressed, such as weather changes, real estate structures, technologies and finance. He added that ongoing efforts to develop water resources has allowed for the irrigation of one million hectares thanks to the policy enforced by King Hassan II who has opted for the promotion of water resources as a decisive factor to develop agriculture and ensure food security.

Although only 13% of farming land is irrigated, it contributes considerably to meeting national food needs and generate 1.65 million jobs, including 250,000 permanent jobs.

In view of the importance of agriculture in Morocco, the minister said, Morocco is well-prepared to play a major part in Euro-Mediterranean agricultural partnership.

The Rome meeting dubbed "For the development of Mediterranean agriculture and agribusiness cooperation in the region" brought together ministers and top officials from 13 Mediterranean countries.

Debates focused on agriculture production, specificities and complementarity of production, modernization of agriculture and prospects for a balanced development of a Euro-Mediterranean agro-food system.

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