Moroccan Farmers Await Decision on Watermelon Cultivation Ban Amid Drought Concerns

Local farmers are awaiting a decision from the authorities regarding the potential lifting of the ban on these crops, a measure implemented last year in response to the effects of several years of drought.

The significant rainfall that has occurred in recent weeks in various areas of Morocco has led producers in Sidi Kacem and the surrounding areas to consider a relaxation of this restriction. As this region is traditionally an area of production for these fruits, the recent improvement in rainfall conditions has raised questions about the continuation of the ban.

However, the competent authorities have not yet communicated an official decision. It is unknown whether the ban will be maintained or lifted for the current season. This lack of information places the farmers wishing to plant watermelons and melons in a situation of uncertainty for the planning of their activities.

A local official confirmed this situation to Hespress, stating that "nothing has been decided regarding the cultivation of melon in the province of Sidi Kacem and the surrounding areas".

While the Chamber of Agriculture represents and supports the farmers, the final decision rests with the authorities. They, he explained, will make their decision taking into account "the reality of the data and the situation the country is experiencing". Consequently, the question of the resumption or not of the cultivation of watermelon and melon in Sidi Kacem remains pending, conditioned by the expected announcement of the authorities.