The persistent drought in Morocco has severely affected the production of Nadorcott, the Moroccan mandarin variety. Producers in the Houara region (near Agadir) have reported a big drop in volumes.
Mr. Taoufik Benribague, farm manager in the Agadir region, said: "I estimate that the drop in volume of Nadorcott this season is at least 60% in Houara".
According to Mr. Benribague, the scarcity of rainfall and the lack of pit water have simply forced producers to abandon a large part of their acreage to save the rest. In addition, the water in the pits has a salinity that increases the closer the plantation is to the sea, which is the case of plantations located near Agadir.
The lack of water resources is accompanied by a sharp increase in costs, which adds to the difficulties of the industry in Nadorcott. According to Mr. Benribague, the price of freight is still twice as high as before the pandemic. Fertilizer prices have tripled.
Russia is an important customer for Nadorcott, and the crisis in Eastern Europe is adding enormous logistical difficulties for Moroccan producers.
However, Mr. Benribague says other Moroccan Nadorcott producers are doing well, especially in the Aoulouz region, and have managed to contain the water shortage.
For more information:
Mr. Taoufik Benribague
Krarma Company
Email: benribague.taoufiq@gmail.com