A new agricultural partnership between Morocco and Hong Kong-based Jungnong Group, a subsidiary of China’s Agricultural Development Group, is set to transform farming practices in the North African nation. The $22 million initiative will introduce advanced water-efficient systems, addressing Morocco’s pressing water scarcity while boosting crop productivity and creating over 300 local jobs.
At the heart of the project are three key strategies: localized drip irrigation, cultivation of high-value and low-water crops, and the rehabilitation of alkaline and saline soils. Jungnong Group will provide high-tech agricultural tools to increase yields by 20%, a significant step for a country where agriculture accounts for roughly 14% of GDP and employs nearly a third of the workforce. Local farmers will also receive training in precision agriculture and export-oriented production, equipping them with skills to sustain long-term growth.
The environmental benefits are equally compelling. By optimizing water use and reducing reliance on resource-intensive crops, the project aligns with global efforts to cut agricultural emissions, which contribute between 25% and 33% of total greenhouse gas outputs, according to Our World in Data. Sustainable practices like drip irrigation and soil rehabilitation not only conserve water but also improve biodiversity, enhance soil health, and minimize pollution from chemical inputs.
Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture described the collaboration as “an integrated development model that merges technology with social impact,” highlighting its dual focus on economic and environmental progress. The initiative could serve as a blueprint for broader adoption across North Africa, where water scarcity and climate pressures threaten food security.
For Moroccan farmers, the partnership offers a path to higher incomes through export markets while strengthening domestic food supplies. By prioritizing efficiency and sustainability, the project demonstrates how innovation in agriculture can address both economic and ecological challenges—potentially setting a precedent for the region.