Watermelon exports from Morocco decline as drought impact deepens
MOROCCO – The ongoing drought in Morocco has significantly impacted the country’s watermelon exports, marking a sharp decline in 2024.
The fruit, once a major contributor to Morocco’s export revenue, now faces challenges due to water shortages and strict agricultural policies.
In 2024, Morocco exported just 113,500 tons of watermelons, according to data from the East Fruit website. This figure is a significant drop from the 249,000 tons exported in 2023, representing a decline of nearly 55%.
This marks the second consecutive year of export downturns and is the lowest export volume in eight years, since 2017 when exports were at 140,000 tons.
The severe drought that has plagued Morocco for over six years has been the key driver behind this export slump. As a result, water resources have become increasingly scarce, especially in areas where watermelons are grown.
Local media reports indicate that several provinces, including Sidi Kacem, Errachidia, Zagora, and Tata, have imposed restrictions on watermelon farming due to the crop’s high-water consumption.
The latest measure from the province of Tinghir, which banned watermelon cultivation on November 8, 2024, aims to conserve precious water resources during the current agricultural season.
“We have no choice but to reduce watermelon cultivation to save water,” said a local agricultural official from Tinghir. “This drought is affecting everything, from our crops to our livelihoods. We need to ensure water is used efficiently for other essential crops.”
As a result of the drought-induced decline in watermelon production, exporters have faced a sharp drop in revenue.
The total revenue from watermelon exports in 2024 stood at USD 96 million, a significant decrease from USD 190 million the previous year. The loss has put pressure on businesses that rely heavily on these exports.
According to East Fruit, Morocco has now fallen out of the top 10 global exporters of watermelon after consistently ranking in the top five between 2020 and 2023.
This decline is a setback for the country’s agricultural sector, which has been struggling to adapt to the prolonged dry conditions.
Avocado growth amid water concerns
While watermelon exports struggle, Morocco’s avocado sector shows promise for growth. The country is targeting a production of 90,000 tons for the 2024/25 season, with expectations to export between 80,000 and 90,000 tons.
Moroccan avocados have gained a strong presence in the global market, particularly in the European Union.
However, the avocado sector is also grappling with concerns about water usage. The government and agricultural industry leaders are focusing on adopting more water-efficient farming techniques to ensure sustainable growth.
As the country faces ongoing water shortages, balancing agricultural demands with environmental sustainability remains a critical challenge.
Be the first to leave a comment