Dakhla: Over 1,090 Hectares Irrigated Through Seawater Desalination
Morocco Advances Sustainable Agricultural Development in the Southern Provinces
Morocco is pursuing its strategy for sustainable agricultural development in the southern provinces. In Dakhla, a comprehensive program aims to develop over 1,090 hectares of irrigated land using desalinated seawater and drip irrigation systems.
Led by the Agricultural Development Agency (ADA), this project seeks to attract both national and international investors in order to enhance agricultural production while conserving water resources in a region characterized by an arid climate.
Thirty-Five Farms Open to Investors
As part of this initiative, 35 farms will be made available to investors in various plot sizes.
Beneficiaries will receive operating contracts with a duration of 25 years, extendable up to 40 years for projects that include agro-food or industrial transformation activities linked to agricultural production.
Operators will be responsible for the management of the plots themselves and will not be allowed to transfer rights to a third party without prior authorization. Contracts will also stipulate the payment of rent, along with connection fees to infrastructure and the cost of desalinated water.
Desalination at the Core of the Agricultural Model
The project relies on a seawater desalination plant that will supply all the farms.
Water will be distributed through drip irrigation networks, a technology that significantly reduces waste and optimizes water consumption in a region where water resources are particularly limited.
This approach aligns with the national strategy aimed at securing water supply for agriculture while enhancing the sector’s resilience to climate change.
Emphasis on Vegetable Crops
The specifications prioritize vegetable crops as central to future agricultural projects.
Depending on the size of the farms, they will need to account for between 70% and 75% of the cultivated area. The goal is to develop high-value production that can cater to both the domestic market and exports.
A Catalyst for Investment and Employment
Beyond agricultural development, this project aims to create a new economic dynamic in the Dakhla region.
The expected investments should stimulate activities related to production, packaging, agro-food transformation, and logistical services while generating new job opportunities.
Through the combination of seawater desalination, efficient irrigation technologies, and private investment, Dakhla reaffirms its position as a strategic hub for sustainable agriculture in the southern provinces.
