Morocco olive trees Nysius insect threat damage

The alert was raised in Parliament by Fatima Zahra Batta, deputy of the Justice and Development Party group. In a written question addressed to the Minister of Agriculture, she claims to have received several complaints from farmers facing this new insect.

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According to these testimonies, Nysius would spread rapidly and threaten especially recently planted olive trees. Small producers would be the most exposed, lacking technical knowledge and appropriate means to identify the insect and stop its progression.

Farmers demand rapid intervention

The deputy asks the ministry and the services of the National Food Safety Office to assess the situation directly on the ground. She also calls for preventive measures and treatment solutions to limit potential damage.

Authorities are also called upon to launch information and technical support campaigns. The objective would be to explain to farmers how to recognize the insect, protect their trees and use appropriate control methods.

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Fatima Zahra Batta finally questions the government on possible aid to producers if significant losses are confirmed. She asks whether an accompaniment or compensation program could be implemented for affected farms.