Boujdour region is gradually positioning itself as a rising agricultural hub in the southern provinces of the Kingdom, thanks to the implementation of ambitious hydro-agricultural projects that reflect the success of the Moroccan model of sustainable agriculture in desert areas.
These projects, which are part of the new development model for the southern provinces and the "Green Generation 2020-2030" strategy, aim to valorize water resources, enhance milk and vegetable production, develop animal feed, and improve farmers' incomes in a sustainable manner. Keltat Zemmour.. A model of modern and resilient agriculture. In Keltat Zemmour, the hydro-agricultural development project for "Oueds Tious", which extends over a total area of 1304 hectares, reflects the ambition to make this desert region a sustainable and innovative agricultural hub. Thus, the first phase of this project covers an area of 470 hectares, of which 250 hectares are allocated to the production of fodder corn (silage), with a total investment envelope of 121 million dirhams. This project, which is supervised by the "Al Saqia Al Hamra Milk" Agricultural Cooperative, aims to valorize irrigation water, increase the production of milk and fodder, and enhance the income of local farmers. In a statement to the Moroccan News Agency, the Regional Director of Agriculture in the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region, Abdul Rahman Al-Amri, emphasized the socio-economic importance of this project, which contributes to improving the productivity of fodder corn through the use of modern agricultural technologies. Mr. Al-Amri explained that "this hydro-agricultural project relies on drip irrigation technology and the use of solar panels in order to ensure its sustainability and reduce the cost of production." For his part, the Vice-President of the "Al Saqia Al Hamra Milk" Agricultural Cooperative, Muhammad Madad, said that this project will enable the cooperative to achieve full independence in the field of fodder, adding that it currently provides job opportunities for more than 52 people from the local workforce. Between 2027 and 2030, the project is expected to witness additional expansion over an area of 500 hectares (at a cost of 240 million dirhams), which enhances its role in achieving food security and creating job opportunities in the rural environment. Al-Jreifia.. Another agricultural hub in constant development. In parallel with that, Al-Jreifia community, which also belongs to the Boujdour region, hosts another structured hydro-agricultural development project over a total area of 1,000 hectares, with a total investment of 465 million dirhams, of which 310 million dirhams are allocated to hydro-agricultural development and 155 million dirhams for private investment. The first phase, which has already been completed, covers 224 hectares, distributed over 25 projects in a partnership between the public and private sectors on lands belonging to the private property of the state, granted to investors and young contractors from the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region. The works included drilling and equipping eight wells with a depth of 1400 meters, establishing a solar power station, building storage basins, establishing a water treatment unit, as well as establishing pumping, filtering and fertilization stations. All plots of land benefit from a localized irrigation system (drip), which enhances the rational use of water and increases productivity. Significant production growth and remarkable social repercussions. These projects will contribute to achieving large agricultural revenues, where the annual production is estimated at 1750 tons of milk, 90 tons of red meat, 7000 tons of fodder crops, and 13000 tons of vegetables. They will also contribute to the valorization of groundwater, the creation of more than 440 permanent jobs, and the improvement of farmers' living conditions by encouraging local investment. In this context, the Ministry of Agriculture launched a study to establish an irrigation circle over an area of 8000 hectares, through desalination of seawater at the level of Al-Jreifia community. Sustainable vision in the service of regional development. By relying on modern irrigation techniques, and valorizing water resources and renewable energies, the Boujdour region affirms its determination to make desert agriculture a lever for sustainable and comprehensive development. These projects reflect the actual implementation of the royal vision for a united, innovative and resilient Morocco, where the southern provinces become living laboratories for agriculture that adapts to the dry climate, and is able to create wealth and job opportunities for future generations. And with HIBAPRESS.
