Environmentalists call for a ban on watermelon cultivation in southeastern Morocco

Following the recent rainfall in the southeastern regions, new concerns have surfaced about the sustainability of water resources, as environmentalists have expressed deep concern over the ongoing cultivation of watermelon, urging a total ban on this practice to safeguard the groundwater supply.

Lahcen Rabah, an environmentalist, stressed that “watermelon farming consumes enormous amounts of water, which directly threatens the region’s already scarce water resources,” adding, “we can’t depend on seasonal rainfall to justify the continuation of this practice.”

In a statement to Hespress Ar, the environmentalist emphasized that “temporary measures or simply reducing the cultivated area are not enough. A permanent ban on watermelon farming is essential to preserve water resources for future generations, particularly in the provinces of Tata, Zagora, Ouarzazate, Tinghir, Errachidia, and Figuig.”

He also stressed that the southeastern region had never faced such severe droughts before watermelon cultivation began.

From his part, Karim Al Harrouch from the Amana Association for Environmental Protection pointed out that “the problem isn’t only with watermelon farming, but with the overall management of water resources. However, banning watermelon cultivation is still a key step in preserving the region’s environmental balance.”

Al Harrouch told Hespress Ar that “these demands come as awareness of the importance of water resources grows. Activists are calling for immediate action from the authorities to implement laws that protect water from over-exploitation.”

“The message is clear. We can’t let watermelon farming be the reason for our drought,” he emphasized.

Hussein Ouhssain, an environmentalist from Zagora, stated that “partial or temporary solutions don’t address the root of the problem. We need to make a strategic decision to completely ban this farming to preserve the water for future generations.”

In a statement to Hespress Ar, he said, “watermelon farming isn’t just an agricultural practice; it’s a matter of life and death for the water table in our region. We can’t keep following this path of draining our water resources.”

He added, “we’re on the verge of an environmental disaster if we continue down this path. Banning watermelon farming is a critical first step in a series of actions needed to protect our water resources.”

“The message to the government, public authorities, and citizens is clear. There’s no room for hesitation or delay—protecting our water means protecting our future,” emphasized Ouhssain.

These statements are part of a larger environmental campaign aimed at educating residents and farmers about the importance of protecting water resources. The campaign calls for urgent government action to implement legislation that safeguards the water table from depletion, especially with significant improvements in the water table and the revival of wells, and oases, in the southeastern region.

Local authorities in the southeast have confirmed that regional officials are considering a complete ban on watermelon farming. Some areas have already prohibited it for years and will continue to enforce this ban. Also, certain regions, like Zagora, have decided to limit the cultivated area to one hectare, but there are now discussions about a total ban on watermelon farming in Zagora since it is one of the most water-consuming crops.