In the Brachoua region, not far from the Moroccan capital Rabat, organic fruit and vegetable production is expanding as a result of successful technical and commercial trials. Local grower Abdellah Akif shares his recent experience.
Akif is an urban retiree who decided to return to his family's ancestral livelihood, farming. He recounts: "I've just retired and was looking for something to do with my time. I couldn't think of anything better than to start cultivating a small plot of family land. I have to admit that I was particularly attracted to this sector because of the recent rise in food prices. It was first and foremost for the family's self-sufficiency, but I soon realized that the industry is profitable and the region's potential is very rich in fresh organic produce."
The self-discovered grower has multiplied trials: "I only started growing this season. I've grown tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cauliflower, potatoes, sweet potatoes, nuts, herbs and much more. The soil in the Brachoua region is a very fertile, high-yielding "tirs" (red clay soil). I think anything can grow here! The water table is also very rich and I don't have any problems with water supply, despite the fact that the country is unfortunately going through a long period of drought."
Akif continues: "I use traceable international plants for almost all my trials, while trying to preserve an indigenous corn variety.In terms of yield, I'm quite satisfied.The volumes are sufficient for profitability, despite I carried out the trials on a small area.But above all, the quality is excellent.I use absolutely no pesticides, chemical or industrial inputs, except for a salt-based fertilizer. Sizes are also satisfactory, even reaching 2 kg for sweet potatoes."
When it comes to selling, things are more complicated, shares Akif: "The organic sector is not yet mainstream in Morocco. This season, I sold my produce on the local market, at the same price as conventional vegetables. I've also been able to sell directly at the farm. It's still profitable, because with the small quantities I have today, I can cut out the middlemen and sell direct to consumers. But later on, I'll have to move on to something else."
The grower is banking above all on obtaining the necessary certifications to be able to supply supermarkets. He explains: "The only viable sales channel is supermarket procurement centres and specialist organic stores. Many organic growers in the region have obtained their certification and are now regular suppliers to retailer, and they're doing pretty good. Exporting is also an option, but it's still too early to consider it."
Akif concludes: "For the moment, I'm focusing on gaining experience and enjoying my new activity. The next step is fruit trials, with the help of the Fondation du Haut Atlas for the supply of plants, and the extension of my acreage to reach 3 ha by next season."
For more information:
Abdellah Akif
Farm Al Mostakbal
Tel: +212663433126
Email: [email protected]
www.linkedin.com/in/abdellah-akif-60b299207