Agadir24
Onion farmers and producers have called on the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests to raise the level of permitted exports to the markets of sub-Saharan African countries, after the local prices of this product fell.
A number of farmers explained that the increase in the quantities of onions produced this year and the decline in exports made the wholesale price reach one dirham per kilogram, and one and a half dirhams for the high-quality variety at most, which are “very low prices and insufficient to cover the minimum high cost of production and harvesting,” according to their expression.
They stressed that “farmers who are not tempted by the price resort to storing onions in the traditional way (karoras) until the price rises, but the longer the storage period, the more the onions spoil,” stressing the need to “dispose of the crop before November, to avoid a major loss.”
They pointed out that “the price that meets the farmers’ aspirations is 3 to 4 dirhams per kilogram of onions,” stressing that “this price can only be achieved by doubling the quantities of onions allowed to be exported in each region, because the current quantities are not enough for farmers at all and the crop remains accumulated with them, in light of the failure of wholesalers to offer a reasonable price.”
According to a number of producers, the 500 tons of exports that were set for each party under the “quota” did not help in disposing of the crop in a way that ensures price stability at a level that covers the cost of production and harvest.
They stressed the need to “dispose of the surplus crop in African markets, given the impossibility of storing it, especially in light of the high temperatures in the production areas,” pointing out that this situation “makes storage difficult using traditional methods and forces farmers to submit to low prices.”
At the beginning of last July, the Moroccan authorities had allowed the resumption of the export of onions and potatoes, provided that the “quota” system would be implemented, setting a ceiling of 500 tons for the export of these two materials for each region, after months of appeals from producers and exporters.
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2024-09-15 19:59:13
– What are the main reasons behind the crisis faced by onion farmers in Agadir?
Table of Contents
Agadir24: Onion Farmers in Crisis as Local Prices Plummet
Agricultural Sector in Jeopardy as Onion Producers Struggle to Make Ends Meet
The onion farming community in Agadir, Morocco, is facing a severe crisis as local prices of onions have plummeted, leaving farmers struggling to cover the costs of production and harvesting. The situation has prompted onion farmers and producers to appeal to the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests to increase the permitted export quantities to sub-Saharan African countries.
Surplus Onion Production Leads to Price Crash
This year’s bumper onion crop has resulted in a surplus of onions in the market, causing wholesale prices to drop drastically. The current prices stand at around 1 dirham per kilogram for regular onions and 1.5 dirhams for high-quality varieties, which are deemed “insufficient” by farmers to cover their production and harvesting costs.
Farmers Forced to Store Onions at Great Risk
As a result, many farmers have resorted to storing onions in traditional ways (karoras) in the hope that prices will rise. However, this strategy comes with great risks, as the longer the onions are stored, the more they are likely to spoil. Farmers are urging the government to intervene and allow them to dispose of their crops before November to avoid significant losses.
Export Quotas Inadequate to Meet Demand
The current export quota of 500 tons per region has been criticized for being insufficient to stabilize prices and ensure a decent income for farmers. Producers argue that doubling the export quantities would help them dispose of their surplus crops and achieve a more reasonable price, around 3-4 dirhams per kilogram, which is necessary to cover their production costs.
African Markets Key to Onion Surplus Disposal
Farmers believe that exporting their surplus onions to sub-Saharan African countries is the key to solving their crisis. These markets offer a significant opportunity for Moroccan onion producers to dispose of their crops and achieve better prices. However, the current export restrictions are hindering their ability to tap into these markets.
Government Intervention Crucial to Save Onion Industry
The onion farming community is calling on the Ministry of Agriculture to take urgent action to address their concerns. By increasing the permitted export quantities, the government can help onion farmers and producers to dispose of their surplus crops, stabilize prices, and ensure a sustainable income.
Conclusion
The crisis facing onion farmers in Agadir highlights the need for better management of the agricultural sector in Morocco. The government must take a proactive role in supporting farmers and producers, ensuring that they have access to fair prices and viable markets for their products. By doing so, Morocco can maintain its position as a leading onion producer and exporter, while also protecting the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and their families.
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– What factors are contributing to the crisis faced by onion farmers in Agadir?
Agadir24: Onion Farmers in Crisis as Local Prices Plummet
The agricultural sector in Agadir, Morocco, is facing a severe crisis as local onion prices have plummeted, leaving farmers struggling to cover the costs of production and harvesting. The situation has prompted onion farmers and producers to appeal to the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests to increase the permitted export quantities to sub-Saharan African countries.
Surplus Onion Production Leads to Price Crash
This year’s bumper onion crop has resulted in a surplus of onions in the market, causing wholesale prices to drop drastically. The current prices stand at around 1 dirham per kilogram for regular onions and 1.5 dirhams for high-quality varieties, which are deemed “insufficient” by farmers to cover their production and harvesting costs.
Farmers Forced to Store Onions at Great Risk
As a result, many farmers have resorted to storing onions in traditional ways (karoras) in the hope that prices will rise. However, this strategy comes with great risks, as the longer the onions are stored, the more they are likely to spoil. Farmers are urging the government to intervene and allow them to dispose of their crops before November to avoid significant losses.
Export Quotas Inadequate to Meet Demand
The current export quota of 500 tons per region has been criticized for being insufficient to stabilize prices and ensure a decent income for farmers. Producers argue that doubling the export quantities would help them dispose of their surplus crops and achieve a more reasonable price, around 3-4 dirhams per kilogram, which is necessary to cover their production costs.
African Markets Key to Onion Surplus Disposal
