Onion prices plummet in wholesale markets, potatoes skyrocket

Agadir24

Onion prices have dropped significantly in Moroccan wholesale markets to less than one dirham per kilogram, after this product had previously reached citizens for more than ten dirhams.

Currently, one kilogram of onions is sold in national wholesale markets for between 90 and 100 centimes (one dirham), which allows the Moroccan consumer to obtain it at a price ranging between 3 and 4 dirhams approximately, depending on the market.

According to statements from professionals, the decline in the prices of this raw material on Moroccan tables is linked to a set of considerations related primarily to supply and demand and the abundance of the product in the country’s fields.

These people stopped at the factor of exporting to the African market, as the government had previously banned the export of onions and potatoes to the Sahel and sub-Saharan countries before returning last July to open the door to export to professionals according to the “quota” system that determines the quantities that must be exported.

However, professionals stressed that “the current price is ultimately inappropriate, as it does not contribute to providing respectable profits that encourage Moroccan farmers to produce in the future.”

In contrast, potato prices have risen again in most national markets, reaching unusual levels, according to statements by citizens, traders and professionals in the sector.

In this regard, potato prices jumped to 7 dirhams per kilogram, which angered Moroccans who consider this product to be one of the main vegetables that are consumed in large quantities and on a daily basis.

While its price did not exceed 4 dirhams, today it ranges between 6 and 7 dirhams, which burdens the pockets of Moroccans, especially families with limited income who find themselves besieged by a wave of high prices and increases that have affected all products and consumer goods.

Some traders reported that the main reason for this sudden increase is not only related to drought and declining production, but that there are other issues that must be addressed, namely the monopoly that occurs in the markets and the “shanaka” who work to get their hands on goods to resell them in bulk.

It is noteworthy that the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests had approved support for farmers producing tomatoes, onions and potatoes, which basically consists of supporting the production of one hectare of onions by between 4,000 and 5,000 dirhams, depending on whether the seeds are ordinary or certified.

Data from the Ministry of Agriculture indicate that the improved climatic conditions since last February have helped the growth of vegetable cultivation, as production during the summer, autumn and winter seasons reached 5.6 million tons of tomatoes, potatoes and onions, which made it possible to cover the national market with these vegetables.