Hibapress
The Loukkos basin has obtained “tangible and significant” results in terms of sugar production during the current agricultural campaign, which is coming to an end, indicates the regional directorate of agriculture in Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima.
The results obtained are particularly evident in terms of performance, industrial indicators and income, despite a lack of precipitation and a significant water deficit, the regional management said in a press release.
Regarding sugar beet, the harvested area reached 3,000 hectares, with a record average yield of 60 tons per hectare and a maximum yield of 99 tons per hectare, recorded for the first time in the Loukkos irrigated area in recent years, the same source explained, adding that the average sugar content recorded reached 19.4%, an increase of 8% compared to the previous season.
These achievements have led to a significant increase in farmers’ income, estimated at 38,000 dirhams per hectare, an increase of 35% compared to the previous campaign, the press release notes.
Furthermore, this year’s campaign was marked by the implementation of a sugar cane recovery plan, as part of a partnership between the State and the Interprofessional Sugar Federation, which resulted in a 12% increase in production compared to the previous year, with nearly 179,000 tonnes harvested over an area of 2,208 hectares.
These “exceptional” yields were recorded, with an average of 81 tonnes per hectare, an increase of 20% compared to the previous season, notes the management, adding that many farms in the Ksar El Kébir region have even reached yields of more than 160 tonnes per hectare, thus rivaling major global producers such as Brazil in terms of productivity.
Furthermore, the management affirmed that the sugar beet and sugar cane harvesting operations took place in the best conditions, with impeccable organization and the involvement of all stakeholders, noting that the sugar beet was processed at the Sunabel industrial unit in Ksar El Kébir for 63 days, while the sugar cane was processed at the Surac industrial unit in Mechra Bel Ksiri.
According to the press release, these achievements are the result of the joint efforts of producers and all stakeholders in the sector, in particular thanks to constant monitoring of the success of the sugar agricultural campaign by the regional technical commission, which ensures the technical support of sugar plant producers, the development of research and digitalization, the generalization of seeds and plants of high genetic quality, and the provision of production inputs in a timely manner.
Furthermore, the Loukkos Regional Agricultural Development Office ensured that sufficient quantity and quality of water was provided for irrigation, taking into account constraints and climatic conditions, in particular the lack of rainfall and the water deficit in the dams.
