Morocco's drive to increase citrus production

Citrus is a major exportable commodity for Morocco, and that country's government has aimed various initiatives at improving its production of this fruit.

- Janine Ryan

Agriculture plays an important role in Morocco, with the sector contributing around 15% to that country’s annual GDP, according to the International Trade Administration (ITA). In addition, the ITA says that the agriculture, fishing and forestry industries combined employ about 45% of Morocco’s workforce.

Dam-irrigated production in Morocco includes dairy, sugar, seeds, fruit, and vegetables for local consumption. Dryland production in the north-west of the country includes grains, olives, pulses, red meat, and dairy, while production in the east and south comprises grain and extensive sheep farming. Land for crop production is spread over 7,5 million hectares. In addition to this, land permanently reserved for crops covers 1,5 million hectares, while permanent meadows and pastures cover 21 million hectares, as reported by Statista.

In 2020, Morocco produced around 3,6 million tons of sugar beet and 2,6 million tons of wheat. Its other major agricultural crops are potatoes, olives, tomatoes, and citrus fruit.

Morocco’s major export crop is a citrus fruit, particularly tangerines and mandarins.

CITRUS PRODUCTION AND EXPORTS