Three months before the start of the avocado campaign in Morocco, producers are announcing a good harvest, with yields higher than last year, according to Abdellah El Yamlahi, president of the Moroccan Avocado Association.
"We just successfully passed a critical stage in production, which is the flowering phase during May and June. Based on our visits to all avocado-growing regions, from Loukous to Gharb, growers have successfully completed this stage helped by better climate conditions and temperatures compared to last season. We've recorded fewer blossom losses and more flowering into fruits. We are now waiting for the fruit to size up and reach the fat matter threshold".
According to the growers' representative, the increase in productivity is quite significant. "According to our estimates, we will have 20% more yield than last year, i.e. a total volume of at least 60,000 tonnes at the national level, and an all-time record, provided that weather conditions remain suitable. As long as temperatures don't exceed 35 degrees in the orchards until September, we are good".
The forecast increase in volumes is also due to the increase in the acreage, adds El Yamlahi, "Production is constantly growing. Areas in production are increasing, and there are also new entrants to the industry this year and new plantations. The increase in acreage has been at least 15%."
In terms of varietal diversity, "there's not much difference from last season in growers' choices. That said, we will have more volumes of green-skinned varieties such as Zutano and Bacon, which have cyclical yields and a high season this year," Elyamlahi says. The varieties most used in Morocco are Hass with 71.8% of exports, Fuerte at 12.5%, Zutano at 7%, Lamb Hass at 5.5%, and Bacon at 3.2%.
"The avocado campaign will start in the first week of October with the green-skinned varieties. Programs for the other varieties will be available starting in the first week of November," concludes Elyamlahi.
For more information:
Abdellah Elyamlahi
Moroccan Avocado Association (MAVA)
Tel: +212678732391
Email: abdellah.elyamlahi@gmail.com