Applied agronomic research program for dryland farming in 200-400mm. rainfall zone of Morocco

About 50% of the arable land of Morocco is in the Central Plains and Central Plateau provinces, a region with an annual precipitation of 200-400mm. The major crops are barley and wheat, but the yields are low. Most of the farms are less than six hectares in size. The dryland farming team arrived in Morocco at the start of the planting season in 1976. Stops were made at many fields to analyze soil moisture conditions as influenced by present farming practice, the types of soil, and the weed problems. Special attention was given to seeding practices. Team members studied statistics on land, crop production, and population as well as reports on and analyses of fertilizers, wheat breeding and varieties, range management programs, the supply and marketing system and government programs. It is concluded that the yield potential of the small farms is much higher than present yields. Present tillage and planting implements are inadequate. Major emphasis in the five-year program is given to training Moroccan staff; Morocco does not have personnel with the special training and experience required to develop and implement the comprehensive applied research program needed. A U.S. university contract team is proposed to guide development of the research program. Applied research in the socioeconomic situation is also essential because achieving increased production from the small farmers and improving their standard of living depends on general changes in the culture, social, and economic organization through the provinces.