Morocco’s State of Emergency Halts Harvest, Threatening Agricultural Losses

Several players in the harvesting field risk suffering huge losses this season. The delay in the start of the harvest would be at the root of this. The state of emergency decreed by Morocco prevents several owners and drivers of machinery from traveling to the regions where the harvest has already begun. They have not been able to obtain authorization to travel, despite the diligences carried out with the competent local authority services. This disrupts the start of the harvest, as the combine harvesters, silage harvesters, tractors and other equipment are blocked in several regions, reports Al Massae.

Given that they are engaged in a seasonal activity, the demand for harvesting equipment is very high and they are awaiting authorization from local authority representatives to travel to agricultural towns and areas to carry out their activities. This is the case in particular in regions that have had a more or less normal rainy season like the Gharb region, near Kenitra. It is therefore urgent that the authorities look into the situation of these workers in order to provide a lasting solution, while ensuring compliance with preventive measures against the spread of the virus, writes the newspaper.

The losses could be heavy for farmers if the harvests do not start in the next few days. Because some products already ready for harvesting risk losing quality with the high temperatures in certain agricultural regions. Added to this is the rise in the price of harvesting operations due to the scarcity of combine harvesters and other equipment.