Morocco's Damask rose production set to surge : A boost for sustainable development
The projected production of the Damask rose (Rosa damascena) is estimated at over 4,800 tons for the 2024-2025 agricultural season, compared to 3,500 tons in 2023-2024, according to the Regional Office for Agricultural Development (ORMVA) of Ouarzazate.
The area cultivated with this flower in the province of Tinghir has reached 1,020 hectares, with exports of about 60 tons, specified Abdellah Abdellaoui, head of the agricultural production service at the ORMVA of Ouarzazate, during a scientific symposium held on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 60th edition of the International Rose Festival in Morocco (from May 5 to 8) in Kelâat M'Gouna.
The rose industry has benefited, within the framework of the Green Morocco Plan, from two distinctive signs of origin and quality, including the protected designation of origin «Rose of Kelâa M'gouna-Dadès» and «Rose Water of Kelâat M'Gouna-Dadès», concentrated mainly in the communes of Ait Sedrate Sahl Gharbia (31%), Khémis Dadès (29%), Ait Sedrate Sahl Charkia (19%), Kelâat M'Gouna (11%), and Ait Ouassif (10%), detailed Abdellah Abdellaoui.
While calling for the promotion of scientific research to advance this sector, the official highlighted certain constraints that still hinder the development of this industry, particularly concerning the adoption of underdeveloped techniques in processing this flower and illegal competition.
Organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, in partnership with the province of Tinghir and national and international partners, the International Rose Festival is themed this year as «Rose Industry: A Lever for Sustainable Development within the Framework of the Green Generation Strategy».
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Ya Biladi
4 days ago
- Ya Biladi
Morocco shuts down livestock markets days before Eid al-Adha
Authorities across Morocco have launched a nationwide crackdown, shutting down livestock markets and trading spaces used for selling animals ahead of Eid al-Adha. The move follows King Mohammed VI's decision to cancel animal sacrifices this year, in light of climate challenges and a significant decline in livestock numbers. Local governors and officials have been directed to enforce the ban. In Khénifra, the provincial governor ordered the closure of all weekly markets for sheep sales and prohibited any activities related to the sale and slaughter of sacrificial animals, including pop-up markets that typically spring up in the run-up to the holiday. In Rabat, the Ministry of Interior, working with local authorities, has shut down all seasonal markets for sacrificial animals and banned the sale of related supplies—a blow to many artisans and seasonal traders who rely on Eid for income. Authorities tighten controls ahead of Eid Similar decisions have been announced in Al Hoceima, Tangier, Kelaa des Sraghna, and Inezgane. In Inezgane, authorities have also closed the municipal slaughterhouse and banned the slaughter of sheep and goats. Meanwhile in Casablanca, reports say authorities have seized large quantities of sheep being sold in unauthorized locations, as part of a broader campaign to curb illegal sales and crack down on middlemen who typically exploit the seasonal demand to make quick profits. This year, unlike previous ones, there's been a noticeable absence of commercial activity in the days leading up to Eid, with few seasonal markets or shops selling Eid supplies, observes by Yabiladi. It's not the first time Moroccans have been asked to forgo sacrificing animals for Eid. King Hassan II made the same decision in 1963, 1981, and 1996, for similar reasons. Just a few weeks ago, the Ministry of Agriculture reported that Morocco's livestock herd has shrunk by 38% compared to 2016 levels. To address the shortage, the government has rolled out emergency measures, including scrapping import duties and VAT on imported beef, sheep, goats, camels, and other red meats.
Ya Biladi
28-05-2025
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan olive oil triumphs globally : Top producers honored at Rabat ceremony
The award ceremony honoring Moroccan olive oil producers who distinguished themselves in prestigious international competitions in 2025 was held on Tuesday in Rabat, under the presidency of the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Ahmed El Bouari. Among those recognized were the Zoyout Essaouira Cooperative, winner of gold medals at the international olive oil competitions in Geneva, Miami, Abu Dhabi, and Istanbul; the Nour Mejjat Cooperative, which received a silver medal in Istanbul; and the Oléa Capital Company, awarded a gold medal in Athens and a platinum medal in Istanbul. This event celebrated the exceptional achievements of these Moroccan producers, who have set themselves apart through their dedication to quality, innovation, and sustainability. It also reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to supporting the sector's stakeholders and consolidating Morocco's position as a global leader in olive oil production. In his remarks, Ahmed El Bouari praised the laureates for their dedication and their exemplary contribution to a sustainable and efficient agricultural sector. He emphasized that the sector's growth is reflected in the recognition of Morocco's top olive-growing cooperatives and companies. The minister also highlighted the invaluable contributions of the men and women who drive the dynamism of the national agricultural sector and actively promote Moroccan products on the international stage. For his part, Rachid Benali, president of the Moroccan Olive Interprofession (Interprolive), underscored the importance of international recognition for Moroccan olive oil producers, noting its positive impact in inspiring farmers and industry professionals across the country. He further commended the efforts of Moroccan professionals who have managed to stand out globally, reinforcing the reputation of Moroccan olive oil—a true symbol of ancestral expertise and universally recognized quality.
Ya Biladi
14-05-2025
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's citrus industry grapples with climate challenges
DR With over 1.5 million tons produced annually—including 500,000 tons for export—the citrus industry is a strategic pillar of Moroccan agriculture. It supports more than 13,000 rural families, generates 32 million workdays, and relies on a network of 50 packing stations and 4 juice factories. Between 2010 and 2016, the area under citrus cultivation expanded from 98,000 to 128,000 hectares, spurred by the Green Morocco Plan and public-private partnerships on Sodea lands. Production followed suit, increasing by 59% over six years to reach 2.6 million tons in 2016. An Industry Contracting After a Decade of Growth But this momentum came to a halt due to overproduction, which outpaced processing and marketing capacities. Climate change further aggravated the situation. From 2016 to 2024, the cultivated area shrank by 29%, with more than 37,000 hectares uprooted, reducing the national orchard to 91,342 hectares. Yields also declined significantly, bringing total production down to 1.5 million tons. A Younger, More Technical, and More Selective Orchard Despite these setbacks, the sector is undergoing a strategic reorganization, explains Maroc Citrus, which brings together industry stakeholders. Today, 50% of orchards are less than 15 years old, with a growing emphasis on high-value varieties. Chief among them is the NadorCott, a locally developed and EU-protected mandarin, seen as a commercial and technical success. Managed by the Moroccan Association of NadorCott Producers (APNM), it is exported to over 40 countries and valued for its yield, size, and harvesting window. Export Market: Forced Upgrading and New Opportunities The rise of Turkish and Egyptian competitors—particularly in the Russian market—has eroded Morocco's market share. Yet this loss has also acted as a wake-up call, prompting the industry to move upmarket, enhance traceability, and adopt certifications such as GlobalGAP, SMETA, GRASP, and LEAF. Still, certain segments like table oranges continue to struggle. The loss of competitiveness to Egypt has shortened the export season by two months, reducing the profitability of packing stations, increasing the precarity of seasonal jobs, and depriving juice processors of raw material. However, a strategic opening could emerge: Brazil—the world's top producer—has seen a drop in output due to the citrus greening virus, leading Egyptian exporters to redirect their fruit to processing, potentially freeing up space in the export market that Morocco could seize. Challenge 1 – Water Resources: The Need for a Dedicated Plan Water is by far the most pressing challenge for the sector. Repeated droughts threaten the long-term viability of citrus farming, particularly in key production zones. While desalinated water will be prioritized for domestic consumption, agriculture will increasingly depend on dam and recycled water—resources that may not be sufficient. A dedicated water strategy is urgently needed. It should include scaling up desalination projects, establishing large-scale hydraulic interconnections (such as «water highways»), and promoting shared governance. Immediate consultation between the state and sector professionals is essential to prevent long-term decline. Challenge 2 – Market Structuring: Breaking Systemic Barriers In its March 2024 opinion, the Competition Council highlighted deep structural issues: land fragmentation, weak producer organization, dependence on intermediaries, and speculative practices in wholesale markets. These flaws hinder competitiveness, lengthen distribution chains, and raise costs for consumers. To improve the sector's performance, Maroc Citrus recommends: Challenge 3 – Labor Shortage: A Growing Structural Risk
