A total of 59,800 tonnes of apples were produced in 2023, in the Béni Mellal-Khénifra region, according to data from the Tadla Regional Agricultural Development Office (ORMVAT).
Notwithstanding the irregularity of precipitation which severely disrupted the apple industry during the past campaign, this sector managed to maintain stable and quality production, particularly in the mountainous commune of Ait Bouguemez in Azilal, the largest apple production base. at the regional level, we learn from the same source.
Occupying an area of 2,990 ha, the apple industry has managed to maintain its balance thanks in particular to the extension of the surface area of this crop in mountainous areas and the efforts deployed within the framework of the rural development project of the mountains of the ‘Atlas.
According to the same source, the region saw the planting of 238 ha of apple trees and the equipping of an apple juice and vinegar manufacturing unit and another refrigeration unit with photovoltaic energy, in addition to the acquisition of 4 generators anti-hail for the protection of orchards.
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Three professional teams were also created, trained and equipped (Coop Tamaste Lilkhadamat El Filahiya, Coop Al Amal Lilkhadamat El Filahiya, Coop Ouawmdante) specializing in the maintenance of orchards as well as the delivery of 35,000 plastic crates and 2,175 wooden pallets for equipment for the Apple Valorization Unit in Aït Move over, according to the same source.
As for the actions carried out within the framework of Plan Maroc Vert (pillar II), these concern the equipping of three boreholes and a well with solar pumping for the irrigation of the plantation perimeters.
Apple growing is also a source of direct and indirect employment in rural areas of the region in that it allows many families in the region to diversify their sources of income, by offering jobs during the phase planting, harvesting, processing (juice, vinegar, etc.) and marketing of apples, concludes ORMVAT.
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