Tomato Prices Soar in Morocco Ahead of Ramadan, Sparking Consumer Outrage

This surge observed since Sunday in the markets has reached 13 dirhams per kilo, according to several consumers, while it only cost 4 or 5 dirhams a few days earlier, reports SRNT News.

Several reasons explain this situation, have confided several professionals, to the media. They relate among other things to the low rainfall that Morocco is experiencing this year, the increase in the prices of hydrocarbons and transport, as well as the export to international markets.

"Tomatoes are no longer profitable. Many farmers are abandoning this product in favor of other crops that are a little more profitable. We have noticed for some time the reconversion of farmers to other products like raspberries, blueberries and red fruits in general," explained one of them. And to add, "the cost price has been increasing for a good while. This year, the situation is more critical, especially with the increase in the prices of fertilizers, diesel and electricity. Farmers are in a difficult situation."

Questioned, Houcine Aderdour, President of the Moroccan Interprofessional Federation of Fruit and Vegetable Production and Export, for his part, denounced the grip of speculators on the tomato market.

"This year there is a low tomato harvest, but that does not prevent us from covering the national need. On the other hand, what is worrying is the multitude of intermediaries and the grip of speculators on the local market. It is incomprehensible that the farmer sells his product at 4 dirhams and that the same product is sold at 12 dirhams on the same day," he declared, calling on the government to act to restore the balance.