Morocco: successive heatwaves hit agriculture
Damage from extreme heat waves that raged during the months of July and August have seriously affected the next citrus and olive crop. Poultry farming and market gardening have also suffered losses varying in degree.
Source : https://www.marocafrik.com/english/Morocco-success...
This is the fourth heat wave experienced by the country in less than three months. The first being declared at the end of June. The recurring phenomenon attests, to the increasing influence of climate change, L'Economiste, the leading business notes.
The most affected sector is poultry farming and fruit growing and market gardening to a lesser extent .The poultry sector is facing substantial losses of at least 10% in dead animals and the sector has recorded losses estimated at 131 million dirhams, after the first wave of heat that raged from 25 to 28 June. Since then, prices of broiler, turkey and egg consumption have soared during Ramadan.
Soft fruit such, apricot, nectarine, grapes, melons, watermelons and tomatoes had to be sold off at half price or less because of heat induced early maturity and insufficient storage space. Citrus plants and olive trees have been badly damaged and citrus fruits are likely to be in short supply, L'Economiste reports.
The increase in forest fires accross the mediterranean region is also a worrying trend. Morocco remains heavily dependent on its agriculture for income and employment and coping with increased adverse climactic variations will remain a serious challenge. It comes down to the availability of water and irrigation systems and adequate storage space for foodstuffs.
The most affected sector is poultry farming and fruit growing and market gardening to a lesser extent .The poultry sector is facing substantial losses of at least 10% in dead animals and the sector has recorded losses estimated at 131 million dirhams, after the first wave of heat that raged from 25 to 28 June. Since then, prices of broiler, turkey and egg consumption have soared during Ramadan.
Soft fruit such, apricot, nectarine, grapes, melons, watermelons and tomatoes had to be sold off at half price or less because of heat induced early maturity and insufficient storage space. Citrus plants and olive trees have been badly damaged and citrus fruits are likely to be in short supply, L'Economiste reports.
The increase in forest fires accross the mediterranean region is also a worrying trend. Morocco remains heavily dependent on its agriculture for income and employment and coping with increased adverse climactic variations will remain a serious challenge. It comes down to the availability of water and irrigation systems and adequate storage space for foodstuffs.
Source : https://www.marocafrik.com/english/Morocco-success...