Moroccan production can cover the demand for vegetables until December 2020
Moroccan vegetable production can meet domestic market demand until December 2020, Moroccan Agriculture Minister Aziz Akhannouch revealed on Friday, April 10.
The country's agricultural rotations allow a constant supply of vegetables to markets throughout the year, Akhannouch said.
The vegetable crops currently available on the market, such as tomatoes, onions, potatoes, carrots, zucchini, peppers, eggplants, turnips and cucumbers, were harvested during the winter season. Its production will cover the needs of consumers during April and May, which coincide with the Islamic month of Ramadan.
Starting in June, crops harvested during the spring season will enter the market to offer even more options for consumers. Crops include beans, melons, and watermelons.
The Ministry of Agriculture's program to boost fruit and vegetable production during the spring, covering 85,000 hectares, is underway according to the pre-set schedule, according to Akhannouch. So far, the program has achieved 65% of its projected results. It will ensure the availability of sufficient crops in the summer.
Meanwhile, the summer rotation program, covering 17,000 hectares, will launch in June. The program will cover the national demand for fruits and vegetables during the fall, until December 2020.
The rotation scheme allows the ministry to forecast any future market needs and adapt its production and supply strategies accordingly.
The program also takes into account the specificities of each of the country's agricultural regions to achieve optimal production and a balance between supply and demand.
The ministry's explanations come as Moroccans are living in exceptional circumstances due to the COVID-19 crisis.
The country's blockade, implemented on March 20, has caused citizens to worry about the continued supply of essential goods to Moroccan markets.
The exceptional measures taken to curb the coronavirus pandemic do not affect supply, the Moroccan government assured on several occasions. Export, transportation and sales operations continue regularly, except for the implementation of additional safety measures to protect workers from COVID-19.
The government also assigned the Interministerial Committee in charge of monitoring supply, price and quality control operations to carry out regular controls in Moroccan markets.
The committee publishes weekly reports on the market situation and intervenes to address fraud, monopoly, speculation and price manipulation.
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