Announcement of The World Bank’s Irrigated Areas Agricultural Services Project for Morocco on December 21, 1993

DEC 21 '93 05:37PM WB MNACA 202477797 P.2/2 HOLD VOK RELEASL World Bank 1818 H Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20433. U.S.A. * Telephone: (202) 477-1234 BANK NEWS RELEASE 94/43 MENA CONTACT: JEANNIE TAKINZ (202)473-2318 MOROCCO: IRRIGATED AREAS AGRICULTURAL SRVICES PROJECT The following is information on a project approved by the World Bank's Board. DATE; December 21, 1993 WORLD BANK GROUT SUPPORT: World Bank loan for $25 million equivalent, for 20 years, including 5 years grace, at the Bank's standard variable interest rate. TOTAL PROJECT COST: 534.7 million OTHER PROPOSED FINANCING; Government of Morocco, $9.7 million. DESCRIPTION: The project's main objectives include raising agricultural production and farmers' incomes and improving the organization and operating efficiency of the nine Regional Agricultural Development Authorities' (ORMVA) services. Among the project components is technology transfer to farmers in large scale Lrrtgation aream through the strengthening of adaptive research, agricultural extension, women's programs, staff and farmer training. The development of support services, including sails and plant analysis and pest and disease warning systems, are a second component. The promotion of farmer organizations, the monitoring and evaluation of agricultural development, and various studios will also be undertaken under the project.