Avocado growing gives Moroccan farmers a wind in their sails
Amidst what experts have called a “agricultural crisis” due to droughts in Morocco and North African region more generally, farmers are seeing a boost as the kingdom’s climate is ideal for avocado growing, according to Africa News.
The North African country experienced harsh weather during the summertime with a record temperature of 50.4C being reported in the southern city of Agadir by the national meteorological service.
In the case of Mohamed Lakchouch, a farmer in northwest Morocco, he owns an avocado farm of 10 hectares and 5,000 avocado trees.
The Larache-based farmer produces three types of avocados, Hass, Fuerte, and Zutano the latter of which he produces 80% of on his land.
Lakrouch was also impressed at the high quantity of avocados produced in 2023 and noted that he has produced 90 tonnes of avocados of the Hass variety during that time which is higher than the past three years.
In 2021, the country as a whole produced 82,369 tonnes of avocados.
READ: Morocco to extend wheat campaign in 2024
Every year, Morocco exports the overwhelming majority of avocados it grows, starting off with neighbouring Spain but later expanding to other European nations like The Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, Belgium and Germany.
Despite the positive signs, the farmer commented, “Each avocado tree can consume approximately 30 litres per hour, and the amount can change according to the seasons. We can use only half that amount, almost 15 litres per hour, and it can reach as much as 60 litres per hour.
“I had young trees. So, it is normal for the production to increase with each year. There are other factors that play a role in increasing the production, for example, the absence of both ice and high temperatures and wind as well. So, with the presence of suitable climatic conditions the production increases.”
The Latin American region are the highest growers of the fruit as Mexico, Colombia and Peru respectively are the highest producers globally.
Latin America and Mexico in particular benefits from growing conditions, which include nutrient-rich volcanic soils and great natural irrigation.
Africa News/AFP
