Tomato Prices Surge in Morocco as Ramadan Approaches, Could Hit 20 Dirhams per Kilo

The kilogram of round tomatoes costs 13 DH in several neighborhoods of Casablanca. This surge is expected to grow as Ramadan approaches. "The situation is likely to worsen during the next Ramadan when the kilo of tomatoes could exceed 20 DH," worries the Association of Chtouka Producers (ACPA) with Médias24. Justified concerns, as a shortage of round tomatoes is looming on the horizon. "At one time, the Doukkala production areas produced enough tomatoes to supply the Casablanca region at affordable prices. But due to the lack of water, all vegetable crops have seen their yields and acreage decrease," laments the representative of the fruit and vegetable wholesale market in Casablanca.

"There have been several extreme weather phenomena that have impacted the first round tomato plantings (violent wind, high temperatures...), confirms the ACPA. As a result, the quantities of round tomatoes delivered to the Casablanca wholesale market have dropped considerably. "We are seeing a 30% drop in the tonnage of round tomatoes reaching the market. And this is the case for all vegetables," says Abdellatif Baajine, price controller at the city’s wholesale market.

The rise in the price of agricultural inputs (seeds, fertilizers...) also has an impact on selling prices. "The production of one hectare of round tomatoes now costs up to 700,000 DH compared to 300,000 DH a few years ago," explains the ACPA, stressing that the subsidies granted under the Agricultural Development Fund (FDA) are insufficient. "The subsidies are insufficient. Moreover, for some, such as those related to seeds, they can only be granted to farmers two or three months after the plantings have been made," laments the association.

Another factor behind the surge in round tomato prices: the increase in the cost of transportation between Inezgane and Casablanca. "The cost of transportation, which was between 8 and 12 DH per crate, has recently increased to reach 20 DH per crate transported," says a professional source. There is also the multiplication of intermediaries between the farmer and the final consumer or the low diversity of production areas.