The Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Ahmed El Bouari, conducted a field visit in Ouezzane on Wednesday, dedicated to launching and monitoring structural projects within the framework of the “Green Generation” strategy. This visit coincided with the opening of the third edition of the National Olive Fair.
Accompanied by the governor of the province of Ouezzane, Mehdi Chalabi, as well as central and regional officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, the minister inaugurated the hydro-agricultural development works for the irrigated area of the communes of Asjen and Mezefrouane. This project covers an area of 1,500 hectares and involves an investment of 230 million dirhams, with an estimated completion time of twelve months. It will benefit around 3,500 farmers and aims to improve agricultural productivity, optimize water resource use, strengthen food sovereignty, and increase farmers’ incomes.
In the same context, Mr. El Bouari was informed about a project to extend irrigated areas in the communes of Ounana and Sidi Redouane. This program, covering an area of 5,000 hectares, will benefit nearly 7,500 recipients and represents an estimated investment of almost one billion dirhams. The works are set to begin in the second half of 2026.
The minister also inaugurated the third edition of the National Olive Fair in Ouezzane, themed “The Olive Sector: A Lever for Sustainable Development.” Organized by the regional directorate of Agriculture in Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima and the Moroccan Interprofessional Olive Association (INTERPROLIVE), this edition features over 100 exhibitors, including cooperatives, agricultural equipment companies, industrialists, sector professionals, and research and innovation institutions.
More than 35,000 visitors are expected until December 28, reflecting the growing interest in the olive sector and its structural role in agricultural and rural development. The fair’s program also includes scientific days on December 25 and 26, led by national and international experts. Discussions will focus on sustainable olive production techniques, the valorization of olives and olive oil, management of by-products from pressing, and perspectives on adapting the sector to climate and water challenges.
With MAP