Moroccan citrus cultivated lands dropped by 29% between 2016 and 2024, causing production to fall by about 1.1 million tonnes and significantly lowering income, revealed the first-ever National Citrus Congress in Marrakesh.
The meeting wrapped up its work on May 15, following three days of fruitful debates into the major challenges plaguing Morocco’s citrus industry.
Organized by Maroc Citrus under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, the scientific get-together reunited over 200 participants, facilitating a rich exchange of expertise while exploring innovative remedies to boost the sector’s resilience and competitiveness.
Maroc Citrus revealed during the event that Morocco’s current annual citrus production exceeds 1.5 million tonnes, with one-third destined for export. The sector supports over 13,000 rural families and generates 32 million workdays annually.
Striving to elevate the market’s quality and competitiveness amid issues of drought and overproduction, the congress’ proceedings culminated in various crucial recommendations.
Numerous players in the citrus industry stressed the importance of regularly hosting the National Citrus Congress, marking this year’s edition as the first of many to come.
Specifically, adapting it into a triennial event would allow researchers ample time to collect the necessary research data leading into upcoming editions.
Further suggestions included the foundation of a Moroccan research network focused solely on the citrus industry, the initialization of a monitoring system against phytosanitary threats, as well as the prioritization of advanced green technologies.
Under the slogan “Multiple challenges facing the citrus industry: What Levers For Action?”, the scientific congress aligns with the Green Morocco Plan – a strategy launched in 2008 by King Mohammed VI, with the goals of improving agricultural productivity and enhancing the market’s export value.
The debate sessions spanned three days and underscored concepts of the genetic improvement of citrus, water management, coupled with methods of implementing fertilization practices
Citrus production is a cornerstone of Moroccan agriculture, with the country ranking as the world’s sixth-largest exporter of citrus fruits, according to a 2024 report by the Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA).
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