Morocco’s Citrus Sector Faces Challenges From Flooding and Drought
Morocco’s vital citrus industry is grappling with a double blow – the aftermath of severe flooding in key agricultural regions and the ongoing threat of prolonged drought. The recent inundations, particularly impacting the Gharb and Loukkos irrigation perimeters, have caused significant damage to crops and disrupted agricultural systems, while longer-term water scarcity continues to threaten export volumes and economic stability.
The floods, following seven consecutive years of drought, have submerged vast areas planted with cereals, clover, sugar beets, and tree crops including citrus, avocado, and olives, according to a LinkedIn post from Noureddine Belkadi. The disruption extends beyond crop damage, impacting livestock feed availability and supply chains. Belkadi highlighted the swift response from Moroccan authorities in evacuating populations and livestock as a benchmark in crisis management.
The Gharb and Loukkos river basins are among Morocco’s most important agricultural zones, supporting large cereal farms, livestock holdings, and plantations of fruits and vegetables destined for export. The Moroccan government has pledged $330 million to aid regions ravaged by the floods, recognizing the critical importance of these areas to the national economy.
However, the flooding comes on top of existing concerns about the long-term viability of the citrus sector. A report from *L’Économiste*, as cited by Bladi.net, points to recurrent droughts, frost episodes, and temperature variations as key factors impacting both production and quality. Citrus exports, which typically average 650,000 tons annually and generate nearly 3 billion dirhams in revenue, have been gradually declining.
The decline in exports is particularly noticeable in shipments to Russia, a major importer of Moroccan citrus fruits, due to sanctions and political tensions. Deliveries of Moroccan mandarins, especially the popular Clementine variety, have “almost ceased,” according to Irina Koziy, an expert in exotic fruits.
Morocco is facing increasing competition from other citrus-producing countries, including Spain, Turkey, and Egypt, which are investing in more productive and resilient varieties. Moroccan producers are struggling with rising production costs, including fertilizers, pesticides, energy, and wages, squeezing profit margins and reducing competitiveness.
According to data from Maroc Citrus, the sector generates more than 2.8 million workdays annually and represents 23% of the country’s total plant production value. Spanning over 130,000 hectares nationwide, citrus orchards are concentrated in regions like Souss-Massa, Gharb, and the Oriental.
The situation is particularly challenging for Moroccan oranges, which account for approximately 80% of exports to the Russian and European Union markets, with the remainder going to Canada, the United States, and Gulf countries. The combination of climate challenges, geopolitical factors, and rising costs presents a significant threat to the future of Morocco’s citrus industry.
Recent reports indicate that insurance companies are now activating the process of indemnification for those affected by the floods, offering some relief to farmers facing substantial losses. However, the long-term impact of the flooding and the ongoing drought remain significant concerns for the agricultural sector and the Moroccan economy as a whole.
