Agriculture in Morocco - statistics & facts

Agricultural activities are a key contributor to Morocco's economy. In 2020, the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector accounted for 12 percent of the GDP, the second-highest value added in North Africa after Algeria. Morocco has around 30 million hectares of agricultural land area. About 21 million hectares are under permanent meadows and pastures, while seven million hectares are arable land. The land area under permanent crops extends over the remaining 1.7 million hectares. In addition to crop production, animal breeding and fishing activities are also widespread in the country.

Substantial sugar and wheat production

Sugar, wheat, potatoes, and olives are the main crops produced in Morocco. In 2020, the sugar beet output stood at around four million metric tons. The country ranks among the leading sugar exporters worldwide, registering an export volume similar to that of Colombia and South Africa. Specifically, Turkey and the United States are the principal export destinations of Moroccan sugars and sugar confectionery, accounting for around 67 million and 33 million U.S. dollars of the trade, respectively. After sugar, wheat represents the second-leading crop in Morocco. Wheat is mainly produced in the regions of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Fès-Meknès, and Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima.

Poultry dominates livestock farming

Chicken is by far the main livestock species produced in Morocco. In 2020, the country recorded a chicken output of 360 million heads. In comparison, sheep and turkey production amounted to 13 million and 12 million heads in the same year, respectively. Unsurprisingly, Morocco has the largest chicken population on the African continent, followed by South Africa and Egypt. Overall, the annual meat production in the country stands at around one million metric tons, including both white and red meat.

Large fish and seafood output

Morocco is a substantial producer and exporter of fish and seafood products. In 2020, sea fishing in the country generated a production value of roughly one billion U.S. dollars. Coastal and artisanal fishing accounted for around 60 percent of the output, while 37 percent of the production value originated from deep sea fishing activities. Morocco largely exports fish and seafood, mainly frozen fish and preserves. Specifically, sardines significantly contribute to the country's seafood export trade, recording an export value of almost 690 million U.S. dollars in 2019.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Mariam Saleh, Nov 17, 2022

Key insights

GDP contribution
11.7%
Value added
3bn USD
Employment in agriculture
33.3%
Get more insights

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Overview

5

Overview

Agricultural land

5

Agricultural land

Crop production

7

Crop production

Livestock and fishery

7

Livestock and fishery

Import

5

Import

Export

5

Export

Forestry

6

Forestry

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