Gharb: Ahmed El Bouari Reviews Major Water-Agricultural Projects in Kénitra
Visit to Kénitra by the Minister of Agriculture
Ahmed El Bouari, the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, conducted a field visit in the Kénitra province to assess the progress of several major projects aimed at modernizing the hydro-agricultural infrastructure in the Gharb irrigated area. This visit is part of ongoing efforts to enhance sustainable water resource management and improve agricultural production conditions.
Modernizing Irrigation Networks to Conserve Water
Among the key projects visited was the initiative to replace outdated asbestos-cement irrigation pipes with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes. This venture encompasses nearly 180 kilometers of updated networks, benefiting around 5,000 farmers in the provinces of Kénitra and Sidi Kacem.
The goal is to minimize water losses, enhance the efficiency of irrigation networks, and ensure a more reliable supply for the agricultural operations in the Gharb region.
A Pumping Station Undergoing Transformation
The minister also visited the North 3 pumping station, where he reviewed the modernization progress of this infrastructure, which has been in operation since 1991.
The renovations aim to adapt the station to new localized irrigation systems. The external equipment has already been refurbished, and the internal facility improvements are approximately 55% complete. Ultimately, this modernization will enable the irrigation of nearly 3,600 hectares and benefit around 1,200 farmers.
Accelerating the Transition to More Resilient Agriculture
This visit also provided an opportunity to review the investments made under the National Water Savings in Irrigation Program. Completed projects have expanded the area equipped with localized irrigation to over 62,500 hectares, thus bolstering the agricultural sector’s resilience against water stress.
These investments align with the national strategy aimed at optimizing water resource utilization, supporting the competitiveness of agricultural operations, and assisting farmers in adopting more water-efficient irrigation techniques.
The Gharb at the Heart of Agricultural Modernization
Through these projects, the Ministry of Agriculture continues to modernize the hydro-agricultural infrastructure in the Gharb region, recognized as one of the main agricultural basins in the Kingdom.
Improvements to irrigation networks, refurbishment of hydraulic equipment, and the development of more sustainable solutions are expected to enhance agricultural productivity while addressing challenges related to dwindling water resources and climate change.
