The date palm, emblematic tree of Moroccan oases, reveals unsuspected treasures. Long confined to a marginal role, date stones and other by-products are now at the heart of ambitious research. The National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA) recently highlighted innovative uses and promising economic and ecological virtues thanks to a series of scientific studies.
To read:
Catalog of quality criteria for date stone oil powder (Phoenix dactylifera L.) of 30 Moroccan varieties
The different uses of the remains of date palms in animal feed
Importance, production techniques, valorization and marketing
Each year, Morocco produces around 100,000 tonnes of dates, generating an impressive quantity of stones, estimated at 20,000 tonnes. Faouzi Bekkaoui, director of INRA, emphasizes that these cores, often underexploited, contain immense potential. From the production of cosmetic oils to animal feed, including food and pharmaceutical applications, there is no shortage of opportunities.
A first work published by INRA, entitled Catalog of quality criteria for date stone powder and oilprovides a detailed overview of the properties of the kernels of 30 Moroccan varieties. It highlights their richness in bioactive compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids and essential amino acids, as well as their usefulness in various industries: Agri-food: ingredient for caffeine-free products, natural stabilizer in dairy products. Cosmetic: nutrient-rich oil, ideal for skin care. Agriculture: feed for livestock, offering a local alternative to imported products.
Faced with the challenges of animal nutrition in oasis areas, a second work explores the use of date palm remains as an alternative resource. This document highlights the ecological and economic benefits of such an approach, in particular to reduce dependence on imports. Despite logistical obstacles, the proposed solutions aim to effectively integrate these remains into livestock diets.
At the same time, INRA devotes an entire book to the Mejhoul variety, one of the most popular nationally and internationally. This work details the production, valorization and marketing techniques to maximize the yields of this emblematic variety. The Mejhoul, symbol of the resilience of date palms in the face of extreme climatic conditions, embodies the socio-economic potential of Moroccan desert regions.
This work is part of the national strategy Generation Green 2020-2030aimed at consolidating agricultural sectors and encouraging entrepreneurship among young farmers. By fully exploiting date palm by-products, INRA is paving the way for a circular and sustainable economy, while strengthening the competitiveness of a key sector.
With more than 453 varieties listed, Morocco has a unique genetic heritage in terms of date palms. INRA’s effort to improve cultivation techniques and introduce innovative technologies contributes not only to the resilience of oases, but also to the preservation of a vital ecosystem for local populations.
Dates, much more than a fruit, have established themselves as a pillar of sustainability and a driver of innovation for Moroccan agriculture. An ambitious vision that places oases at the heart of tomorrow’s challenges.
