The Tata region in southeastern Morocco is emerging from the severe drought that hit the country hard for seven years, with growers now reporting favorable growing conditions and a successful, ambitious shift toward new crops. This is according to Moulay Ahmed Errahmani, local grower and exporter.

“The climate in Tata has been good this year. We haven’t had any intense heat waves, and rainfall has been sufficient,” Errahmani says. “It’s hard to believe that just two years ago, this was one of the regions most affected by drought in the country. This summer period is going well for us. Growers are currently preparing for the next season and drilling wells, a first after many years of drought when drilling was restricted.”

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According to Errahmani, Tata growers have used the past two seasons to diversify away from their traditional reliance on dates and watermelons. He explains, “Over the last two seasons, we have gone through an ambitious and, ultimately, successful transition toward other crops. Watermelon production remains banned in the region as part of drought-related water restrictions, a measure that is now unique to Tata after restrictions were lifted in other parts of the country. We are hopeful that the restrictions will be lifted next season, now that water supply conditions have eased.”

In the meantime, growers have been experimenting with new crops and varieties, with encouraging results. “This season, we produced yellow melon, introducing new, so-called exotic varieties to the region,” Errahmani reports. “The season has now ended after two harvests. It was a very positive experience. The melons were exported successfully, and we achieved highly satisfactory prices.”

“We also had a good season for vegetable and onion production, along with zucchini, and smaller volumes of peppers and tomatoes. Planted area authorized for growers, excluding dates, reached 6,000 hectares this season.

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Looking back, Errahmani says the drought reshaped the region’s production landscape for the better. “The production landscape has changed considerably. We’ve seen significant diversification, a genuinely good season, and a steady return to both domestic and export markets.

“We are heading into next season with confidence. We hope to return to watermelons as well, an economically important sector for the region, along with an increase in the area planted in melons and vegetables,” Errahmani concludes.

For more information:
Moulay Ahmed Errahmani
Alhibat Négoce
Tel: +212 770-334313
Email: [email protected]