Morocco Boosts Navel Orange Production to Rival Spanish Market

"The production of this orange variety plays an important economic and social role in the Berkane and Nador region, near Melilla, as it creates jobs and income for many households," reports Le360. The Navel orange has several advantages, including an early harvest and high yield, explains Ahmed Al Amrani, an agronomist working at the Regional Agricultural Development Office, stating that this variety is highly appreciated by consumers around the world for its taste and nutritional qualities.

To read: article 43541

Despite unfavorable weather conditions, Morocco plans to produce 159,000 tons of Navel oranges for the 2021-2022 campaign, the same source states, indicating that citrus fruit production should reach a volume of around 460,000 tons, an increase of 10% compared to the previous season, according to data from the Regional Directorate of Agriculture.

To read: article 88257

Citrus fruit production has a "very positive impact on the local and national economy", it represents 23% of the total value of crop production and generates more than 2.8 million working days per year on farms and in packing facilities. In the Berkane region, citrus fruit production has increased from 18 to 22 tons per hectare during the 2020-2021 campaign. A performance to be credited to the authorities and farmers.