Moroccan farmers report limited heat damage but rising water pressure

Moroccan farmers said this summer’s hottest period has caused less crop damage than in previous years, although water shortages, high production costs and weak farmgate prices continue to pressure producers.

The traditional “Smaim” period, associated with intense summer heat, requires farmers to monitor crops and young trees closely until September because sudden temperature increases can cause heat stress within days.

Producers said rainfall during the latest agricultural season improved growing conditions and helped crops withstand high temperatures. Current heat has not caused shortages in wholesale or retail markets, according to sector representatives.

El Houssine Adardour, president of the Moroccan Interprofessional Federation for Fruit and Vegetable Producers and Exporters, said water availability remained the primary concern and varied considerably by region.

Farmers in water-stressed areas have sought additional supplies from existing or newly drilled wells, he said. Such access remains subject to water regulations and local groundwater conditions.

Adardour said fruit and vegetable supplies were abundant, but higher prices for agricultural inputs meant that revenue did not always cover production expenses. Some products had recorded moderate price increases, although overall market supply remained sufficient.

Abdelaziz El Maanaoui, president of the Chtouka Association of Agricultural Producers, said field crops and newly planted trees inside greenhouses and in open fields were particularly vulnerable to abrupt heatwaves.

Some young trees and seedlings in Al Haouz sustained damage, but losses remained below levels recorded in previous years, he said.

Production in Souss-Massa could decline slightly as farmers prepare for the next season and protect new plantations. El Maanaoui said marketing had become an equally significant problem because some fruit and vegetables were selling at prices too low to cover cultivation and transport costs.