Tomato growers are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, after a very complicated production phase and several postponements of the harvest. Mustapha Aouragh, a grower based in the Souss Massa region, comments on the situation.
"It's been a challenging growing phase. As everyone knows, the extreme heat wave we experienced in August destroyed our crops, and we had to replant all over again. In addition, phytosanitary problems and higher-than-usual temperatures, which continue to this day, have also contributed to the delay in tomato growth, and hence in the harvest."
Mustapha continues, "I'm finally going to start harvesting on October 15. It's a very late date compared to usual. The late start to the season is coupled with a reduction in acreage. Many growers have been forced out of the increasingly fragile tomato sector. Difficult production conditions, rising production costs, and restrictions on exports are making tomatoes less attractive to producers".
According to the grower's preliminary estimates, which are yet to be confirmed by official statistics, the fall in tomato acreage in the Souss Massa region this season is in the order of 20-25%.
The sector's economic fragility has also prompted growers to favor more profitable varieties. For instance, "there will be more cherry and elongated tomatoes this season, to the detriment of the round tomato," says Aouragh.
For more information:
Aouragh Mustapha
Tel.: +212661938200
Email: [email protected]