Since Thursday January 16, 2025, the local authorities of Zagora have decided to take firm measures against farmers violating the new regulations governing the cultivation of watermelons in the province. This initiative is part of a broader framework aimed at regulating the use of water resources, a central issue in the region heavily affected by drought, we learn from le360.
According to information reported by the daily Al Akhbar on January 20, 2025, a specialized commission was set up to supervise controls on the ground. Several farms have already been inspected in recent days, with interventions marked by rigor. The authorities thus proceeded with the destruction of non-compliant plantations as well as the demolition of agricultural installations used for these illegal crops. Machines were mobilized to do this, in muscular operations aimed at enforcing the new rules.
This control campaign mainly targets areas of the province where the cultivation of watermelons and yellow melons is particularly widespread. Indeed, the prefectural decree of October 31, 2023, which strictly regulates these crops, stipulates that areas dedicated to the cultivation of watermelons or yellow melons must not exceed 1 hectare. In addition, these crops are now prohibited in areas close to sensitive water sources such as oases or wadis.
In this context, local authorities have set up joint commissions, indicates in today’s edition le360, commissions made up of representatives of municipalities, auxiliary forces, the gendarmerie and the authorities in charge of agricultural investments. These commissions have the mission of permanently monitoring the water consumption of agricultural operations. In particular, checks of well water meters are carried out at the start of each agricultural cycle, and monitoring is carried out throughout the year to ensure that the quantities of water used comply with current standards.
On January 20, 2025, Al Akhbar reports that these checks are expected to continue in the coming days, targeting other areas where watermelon growing remains popular despite restrictions. If violations are noted, local authorities will not hesitate to take the necessary measures to enforce the law.
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The Zagora region, already weakened by the effects of climate change and persistent drought, is facing increasing pressure on its water resources. The intensification of watermelon cultivation, a water-intensive crop, has thus sparked strong criticism. Many voices have been raised to denounce the environmental impact of this crop and call for more rational management of the region’s water resources.
This intervention by the Zagora authorities is therefore part of an approach to preserving water resources, essential to the sustainability of agriculture in this region of Morocco. Faced with climate issues and water scarcity, the regulation of certain agricultural practices is becoming more than ever a priority for local authorities.
