Morocco

Sowings of winter wheat and barley have started in November under below average rainfall conditions and temperatures 2-4C above normal. In the last month, the main crop producing regions received from 20% (Doukkala-A.) to about 50% (Marrakech, Fes-B., Meknes-T.) of their normal rainfall, raising concern for the establishment of winter cereals (the exceptions being Tadla Azilal with 78%). Actually crop biomass starts to be below average as a result of delayed sowings or limited growth, especially in Doukkala and Marrakech in the southwest and Oriental in the northeast, and to a lesser extent in the centre (Chaouia, Tadla Azizal and Rabat). In this context of rainfall deficit, irrigation plays a key role. For instance, Gharb received 30% of its November rainfall but Al Whada dam provides irrigation water and crop biomass is above average in contrast with Doukkala which receives water from Al Massira dam, whose level is very low (see comparison with November 2020 -
https://agricultural-production-hotspots.ec.europa.eu/s/ad45e34e). According to the Copernicus C3S multimodel seasonal forecast, below normal rainfall is expected up to end of April which could result in a reduced winter cereals output for the 4th year in a row.