HIBAPRESS – Ahmed El Mosaad
In a move aimed at establishing data-driven agricultural governance, the almond production chain in the Eastern Region is witnessing a strategic initiative: "Comprehensive and Geographically Mapped Census of Plantations," which has reached advanced stages. This vital initiative seeks to provide a digital and updated database that keeps pace with the rapid development in this agricultural sector in the region.
The almond chain holds a significant strategic position within the agricultural fabric of the Eastern Region, covering a vast area exceeding 40,000 hectares, representing approximately 26% of the total area dedicated to fruit trees in the region, ranking second after the olive chain. Nationally, the Eastern Region asserts its considerable presence, accounting for about 20% of the total almond plantation areas and 23% of the overall production. This cultivation has proven effective as an agricultural model capable of adapting to harsh climatic challenges, especially in rain-fed and semi-arid areas.
The chain has experienced unprecedented dynamism thanks to the support it received through public programs, from the "Green Morocco Plan" to the "Green Generation" strategy. The numbers illustrate the magnitude of this transformation between 2008 and 2020:
– Area Expansion: Planted areas jumped from 14,600 hectares to 42,150 hectares, marking a growth of nearly 188%.
– Production Doubled: National production nearly doubled to reach 31,000 tons, an increase of 93%.
– Valorization and Marketing: Approximately 25,000 hectares were planted within the framework of regional projects, alongside the establishment of specialized units for almond processing and shelling to enhance added value and improve marketing. This production weight is primarily concentrated in the provinces of Oujda-Angad and the prefectures of Berkane, Taourirt, and Jerada, which constitute the main poles of regional production.
The new census covers the entire territory of the Eastern Region and aims to collect precise data on cultivated areas, the condition of the plantations, approved varieties, production potential, and to identify the constraints faced by professionals.
The outcomes of this initiative are expected to contribute to improving public planning and directing priority investments, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of support and guidance programs for farmers, and strengthening monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for the performance of the chain as a whole.
This strategic initiative is hoped to serve as a compass for decision-makers, supporting the competitiveness of the almond chain, strengthening its resilience against climate change, and solidifying its sustainability as a key lever for creating added value and encouraging agricultural entrepreneurship in rural areas.
