A recent heatwave combined with the dry Chergui wind has caused confirmed damage to agricultural regions across Morocco according to industry sources.
The extreme weather affected key spring crops and summer fruits in several major farming areas raising concerns among growers already strained by consecutive years of drought.
Farmers interviewed by Hespress said the heat had impacted the growth and development of various fruit types with some effects visible now and others likely to appear in the coming weeks, and expressed fears that further waves of intense heat could worsen losses following at least six years of water stress and reduced rainfall.
Elhossein Ouzzerdour president of the Interprofessional Federation of Fruit and Vegetable Producers and Exporters said the heatwave lasted about a week and affected most of Morocco’s major agricultural regions. While he did not specify the exact geographical scope he confirmed that several seasonal fruits and spring vegetables nearing harvest had suffered damage.
He pointed in particular to grapevines melons and vegetables such as turnips citing the combination of extreme heat and the harsh Chergui wind as the cause. He noted that affected areas include Fès-Meknès the Oriental region and central zones such as Souss-Massa.
Adel El Farsioui a farm owner in Jerada province in eastern Morocco said the sharp rise in temperatures beyond seasonal norms had caused serious concern among local farmers. He reported confirmed damage to grape olives and yellow melon production as well as other seasonal vegetables.
El Farsioui estimated that up to half of the expected yields for some crops could be at risk due to the recent weather. He added that grape harvests which peak in August were already showing signs of stress while melon and olive fields in the region had sustained measurable losses.
He called on government authorities to support affected farmers including through the possibility of compensation for damages to key crops during this critical part of the season.
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