2023-05-20 13:05:27
Moroccan viticulture is suffering from climate change. Due to the heat and drought, yields are lower than normal, especially in the southern regions. This is reported by the FreshPlaza website, which focuses on the agricultural sector.
The harvest of table grapes, mainly intended for consumption, begins at the end of May. But producers fear they will not be able to meet demand from the European market, of which Morocco is a major supplier.
Morocco produces around 450,000 tons of grapes per year, of which 21% is used for wine production. However, the country is a small player in the global market, dominated by China, Italy and the United States.
The massive export of agricultural products has drawn criticism from citizens and observers who believe the government should do more to ensure national food security. In addition, agriculture puts great pressure on Morocco’s water resources, which are already scarce due to persistent drought.
As a reminder, HM King Mohammed VI recently ordered that the budget for drinking water supply and irrigation be increased to 143 billion dirhams. This program will allow the acceleration of the interconnection project of the hydraulic basins of Sebou, Bouregreg and Oum Er-Rbia, with the ongoing construction of the urgent section of this interconnection over 67 km. New dams and the updating of the costs of around twenty planned dams will thus make it possible to increase the storage capacity of 6.6 billion m3 of fresh water.
The envelope provides for the acceleration of projects for the mobilization of unconventional water, through the programming of seawater desalination stations and the increase in capacity for the reuse of treated wastewater.
Strengthening the supply of drinking water in rural areas, by extending coverage to more douars and by strengthening the logistical and human resources mobilized, are also the objectives targeted.
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