29 October 2009 - According to US Government estimates, Moroccan citrus production during the 2009/10 season could grow 13% to 1.44 million tons mainly due to the entry into production of some new plantations, especially in the Haouz and Gharb regions (center and north of Morocco). It was also reported that a rise in production of new small citrus varieties is also contributing to the increase.
The Souss region (vicinity of Agadir/Taroudent), which accounts for nearly half of the nation's citrus production, continues to face critical water shortages which hamper the chance of expanding citrus area planted in the future.
The Gharb region, meanwhile, seems to have high potential for production growth despite being constrained by aging orchards, limited number of citrus varieties planted, and the lack of new investment.
"Morocco’s citrus production continues to be dominated by the traditional Clementine, navels and Maroc-late (78 percent of the total production). However, some new (locally developed) varieties such as the small citrus fruit Nour and Afourer (11 percent of the production) have been very attractive to farmers. These varieties have the advantages of their higher quality and late harvest that extends their season through February and thus increases their demand in export markets", said a US Government report.
The citrus export season in Morocco started in mid-October for Clementine-like varieties. Mid-season varieties (bloody oranges, Salustiana, Navel, etc.), however, provide a bridge through March/April where the Maroc-Late variety takes over until July.
US Government researchers expect that this year’s harvest will be of better quality, especially in terms of fruit sizes. The heavy rain that Morocco experienced in the previous season had a beneficial impact on the evolution of the fruit size this year, which will result in greater percentage of exportable portion of the harvest.