Citrus production increases

 

 

 

Morocco has a long tradition in producing wide varieties of citrus fruit. As in the whole Mediterranean basin, two distinct sectors coexist in Morocco, a modern one ,composed of large farms, where the production is geared for export and a traditional sector, composed mostly of small farmes, where the production is oriented to local market and processing.

 

The citrus production is developed in four main areas: the Southern Agadir-Marrakesh zone, the Beni Mellal zone, the Gharb area and Lower Moulouyia in the north-east.

 

The long-run outlook for Morocco citrus producers remains positive. Its cultivation represents an important source of employment for thousands of families. Over 40 percent of the production volume is exported, it is considered the first crop oriented to foreign markets. It is thus an important source of hard currency.

 

The country is classified the 4th largest fresh citrus exporting country in the world and the 2nd largest of Clementine type exporter. Over 40 percent of Moroccan citrus production is exported, mainly to Europe, Canada, Russia and Gulf States.

 

An increase of almost 10 percent is expected this year which means a total production of 1.35 million tons against 1.23 million tons last season. It is also expected that 650,000 tons will be exported against 582,000 tons during the past season, an increase of about 12 percent. Looking into the future one expects to be able to produce 2.9 millions tons in 2018, of which 1.3 million tons will be exported.