Moroccan Avocado Yields Lag Far Behind, but Some Farms Top 20 Tonnes per Hectare
In Morocco, avocado growers harvest an average of five tonnes per hectare, compared with thirty tonnes for some Latin American competitors. The considerable gap is explained by farming practices, high temperatures and irrigation challenges. Yet some Moroccan farms show that yields can be much higher.
Five tonnes against thirty. That was the finding presented by the president of the Moroccan Avocado Association (MAVA) at the second Moroccan Avocado Summit, held on October 15 in Larache before 250 industry professionals. According to a report by Dutch media outlet AGF.nl, this low productivity is now one of the main obstacles to the development of the industry.
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The problem lies in part in how farms are managed. One expert says many small-scale growers do not apply plant-protection treatments adequately or follow good farming practices. Yet avocado trees are particularly sensitive to growing conditions and require rigorous care.
These challenges are compounded by high temperatures. The heat waves that hit Moroccan orchards caused significant losses during the previous season. Specialists also point to fertilization that is sometimes poorly suited to the trees’ needs, which vary according to their age and stage of development.
Some Moroccan growers are already exceeding 20 tonnes per hectare
For one grower quoted by the same source, there is considerable room for improvement. Some Moroccan farms are already producing more than 20 tonnes per hectare thanks to better farming techniques. In his view, yields of 30 tonnes are even possible from six-year-old avocado trees under good growing conditions.
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Irrigation is another key lever. Another grower recommends suitable drip-irrigation systems and misting systems to protect trees from high temperatures. Water availability and quality must be assessed first
