The Berkane region, bastion of citrus production in Morocco, is bearing the brunt of the effects of persistent drought. Reduction in cultivated areas, closure of packing stations and collapse of exports: the consequences are dramatic.
The drought has had a major impact on Berkane. The area devoted to citrus fruits has fallen from 22,000 to 13,000 hectares, while only 7 of the region’s 17 packing stations remain operational, says FreshPlaza. Production is in free fall, with volumes reduced by half compared to a normal season, and direct economic repercussions on local employment.
Faced with this crisis, solutions are emerging, inspired by the model of the Souss-Massa region. The construction of a desalination plant in Saïdia, planned for 2027, promises to ensure a stable supply of water, essential for agriculture. At the same time, the raising of the Mohammed V dam will significantly increase the available water resources.
The development of the Nador West Med port represents a major opportunity for agricultural exporters. In terms of trade, the region is developing new partnerships. A protocol for the export of clementines to Japan is already operational, and other markets are being negotiated.
The agricultural revival of Berkane will not be without challenges. The lack of labor, exacerbated by the attractiveness of seasonal work offers in Spain, is pushing employers to consider salary increases to retain local workers.
Another challenge: the modernization of local infrastructure. The rehabilitation of packing stations will not be enough to absorb the new export volumes, requiring the construction of additional cold storage warehouses.
Business
