Al Moutmir Schemes Boost Cereal Yields by 20% in Morocco's Wheat Transition

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Morocco’s Agricultural Innovation: Boosting Cereal Yields Amid Drought

Morocco is making significant strides in reducing its dependence on imported cereals, with early results from the Al Moutmir programme showing a remarkable increase in wheat yields. Despite facing severe drought conditions, the initiative has managed to boost production by more than 20 percent, offering hope for the country's agricultural future.

The Al Moutmir programme, supported by OCP and the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), has been instrumental in transforming traditional farming practices. The initiative focuses on improving productivity through innovative techniques such as tailored fertilization, integrated pest control, and direct seeding. These methods are designed to conserve moisture and enhance crop resilience, particularly in challenging climatic conditions.

Key Components of the Al Moutmir Programme

The programme has established 1,102 demonstration platforms across 24 provinces during the 2024-25 season. Of these, 876 are dedicated to cereals, while 226 focus on legumes. These sites act as open-air laboratories, where farmers can test new agricultural practices and technologies. The goal is to provide practical solutions that can be adopted on a larger scale.

Results from the programme have been impressive. Cereals cultivated under optimized itineraries showed a yield increase of 21–23 percent compared to control plots. Legumes experienced an even greater improvement, with yields rising by 26–33 percent. Direct seeding, a key practice in the Green Generation plan, boosted productivity by approximately 20 percent when compared to conventional sowing methods.

Farmer Testimonials Highlight Success

Farmers who have participated in the programme have shared their positive experiences. Hicham Sabiri, a farmer from Beni Mellal, noted that the demonstration plot on soft wheat and the guidance provided by Al Moutmir engineers helped him understand the benefits of tailored fertilization. He also praised the digital app used for disease identification, which saved his crop from potential losses.

Another participant, Abdelkrim Anouini from Khemisset, emphasized the importance of resilience. Despite the challenges posed by erratic rainfall, he managed to increase yields on his lentil field, which restored his confidence in continuing to invest in agriculture.

Improved Financial Returns

The financial benefits of the programme have also been notable. Margins on demonstration plots outperformed those of control fields by 33–54 percent. This increase is attributed to both higher output and more efficient use of inputs, demonstrating the economic viability of the new agricultural practices.

Training and Knowledge Sharing

In addition to boosting yields, the Al Moutmir programme serves as a training tool for farmers. A total of 275 farmers participated directly, while another 3,000 were reached through field schools, workshops, and digital channels. Mobile soil labs and the Smart Blender fertiliser mixer have played a crucial role in linking research to practical applications.

UM6P recently convened scientists, agronomists, and policymakers in Benguerir to review the programme's results and discuss strategies for scaling up the practices nationwide. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration between different stakeholders in advancing agricultural innovation.

Focus on Climate Adaptation

With over 600 demonstration plots focused on direct seeding, the project is becoming a test case for scaling up climate adaptation efforts. The initiative is not only about increasing yields but also about building resilience against the impacts of climate change.

Institutional Support and Future Prospects

The Al Moutmir programme is backed by several key institutions, including the agriculture ministry, the ONCA advisory office, and provincial directorates, alongside OCP’s agronomic expertise. The programme’s success has led to the hosting of the 17th Al Moutmir Open Innovation Lab in September, where officials, researchers, and agronomists reviewed results and discussed ways to expand the practices nationally.

As Morocco continues to face challenges related to water scarcity and climate variability, the Al Moutmir programme offers a promising model for sustainable agricultural development. By combining innovation, education, and institutional support, the initiative is paving the way for a more resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector.

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