Resurgence of prickly pears in Morocco: A fruitful recovery

MOROCCO – In Morocco, prickly pears, also known as figues de Barbarie, are making a strong comeback after years of decline due to pest infestation.

The figues de Barbarie industry in Morocco faced a major setback when the cactus plants were devastated by the cochineal pest, Dactylopius opuntia.

This pest caused significant financial losses for farmers and drastically reduced the availability of these highly valued fruits. A farmer from Aït Baâmrane expressed, “We saw our livelihoods vanish almost overnight.”

In recent years, regions like Aït Baâmrane, historically important for figues de Barbarie production, have witnessed a resurgence. Improved pest control methods, particularly the use of biological control with the coccinelle Trident, have played a critical role.

“Thanks to the coccinelle Trident, our crops are thriving again,” said a local farmer. This biological control method, combined with better farming practices, has significantly improved the cultivation of prickly pears.

The Moroccan government has also launched a national program to plant resistant cactus varieties. The goal is to cover 120,000 hectares by 2030, ensuring a steady increase in production and reducing the risk of future infestations.

The scarcity of figues de Barbarie led to high prices, ranging from 2 to 4 DH per unit in July 2023. However, with increased production expected for summer 2024, prices are anticipated to decrease.

This reduction will make the fruit more accessible to consumers while still supporting farmers’ livelihoods.

Prickly pears play a significant role in Morocco, especially in Southwestern regions like Sidi Ifni, known as the country’s cactus capital.

The area dedicates over 45,000 hectares to prickly pear cultivation, accounting for 57% of the total agricultural business in the region.

Despite the increased cultivation, the organization of producers and marketing remains a challenge. Sales currently barely exceed 60% of production, leading to missed opportunities for farmers.

Efforts are underway to improve this situation, including the establishment of a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for ecotypes Moussa and Aissa, which aims to enhance the value and recognition of these varieties.

A packaging unit has also been established in Sidi Ifni to improve the performance of the value chain. This initiative is expected to help increase sales and provide better returns for farmers.

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