Moroccan Melon Production Dips Despite Expanded Acreage, Spanish Crops Decline

Despite the slight increase in sown areas, melon production in Morocco is expected to drop by 15 to 18 tons per hectare in 2024, informs the specialized site Fresh Plaza. This year, 70% of melons have already been harvested in the kingdom. "The big peak is over. There remains 40% for Marrakech and all of Kenitra," details Myriam Martineau, producer and president of the Interprofessional Melon Association (AIM).

Meanwhile, melon plantations in Spain have decreased by 40% over the past three years and are estimated at 2,750 hectares this year, a decrease of 380 hectares compared to last year. This "worrying downward trend" is particularly felt in the Murcia and Alicante regions with estimated losses of 2,000 hectares this year, a decrease of 200 hectares this season.

Several factors explain this situation, says Fresh Plaza, citing the strong pressure on land, the lack of water due to drought, the tightening of environmental regulations, particularly in coastal areas, and the significant increase in production costs. "The melon sector in Morocco and Spain is at a turning point," observes Martineau.