The data of the website specializing in Hortoinfo agriculture, based on Comtrade statistics, show that the exports of watermelons from Morocco to France increased by 155 % between 2015 and 2024.
The expeditions of Moroccan watermelons to France increased from 23.96 million kilograms in 2015 to 61.13 million kilograms in 2024. The United Kingdom imported 9.94 million kilograms of watermelon from Morocco in 2024, while Spain imported 28.7 million kilograms in the same year.
This export growth comes while Morocco continues to undergo prolonged drought, which is in its sixth consecutive season. The watermelons, classified among crops with high water consumption, require regular irrigation during their development, estimated at 1 to 2 inches of water per week.
In response to the water shortage, the Moroccan authorities have implemented various measures to promote the rational use of water resources. These measures include awareness campaigns and restrictions such as the cancellation of the ritual of the sacrifice of Eid Al Adha and the prohibition to shoot down the sheep and caprine females to maintain the reproductive herd.
Many reports have highlighted current water stress in Morocco. A recent study by the National Drought Mitigation Center, based in the United States and conducted in partnership with the United Nations Convention on the Fight against Desertification, identified Morocco as one of the countries of the Mediterranean basin most exposed to drought.
The study notes that drought is a recurring characteristic of the Moroccan climate and that it has become more persistent since the early 1900s. It also plans that Morocco “should become more arid during the 21st century”.
Source : Maroc World News
