In the context of the persistent drought that has afflicted Morocco for years, watermelon production has been hit by restrictions in several regions, ranging from acreage limitations in areas such as Zagora to a straight ban in Tata. According to local grower Moulay Ahmed Errahmani, Tata's absence from the market represents a loss of 110,000 tonnes of annual watermelon volumes.
© Moulay Ahmed
Growers in the region have petitioned the local authorities to lift the ban this season, without success. Errahmani explains: " Growers are in constant dialogue with the local authorities. There have been requests for the ban to be lifted this year, especially after the generous rains the country has received recently, but the authorities have told us to wait."
"We're being urged to wait and see how the rainfall situation develops and for the water table to take some time to recover. In any case, it's too late to plant watermelons this season, and we'll see how it turns out next season," Errahmani continues.
Since last year, growers in the region have been turning to other crops, and the transition is going fairly well, according to the Errahmani. He adds, "Most growers have planted onions, zucchinis, tomatoes, and other vegetables. The area planted with vegetables reached 300 hectares in the Tata region this year, exceeding the 140 hectares we used to plant watermelons. We supply the local market, and some growers even export, especially those who grow tomatoes. I'd say the adjustment is going rather well."
According to other statements, the volumes of watermelons expected this season in other regions of the country should be higher than last season, particularly in the regions of Zagora, Agadir, Chichaoua, Marrakech, Beni Mellal, Gharb, Meknes, and Larache.
For more information:
Moulay Ahmed Errahmani
Alhibat Négoce
Tel: +212 770-334313
Email: [email protected]
