Flooding in northern Morocco has disrupted the country’s red fruit sector, one of its most important export industries.
Heavy rain over several days caused rivers in the Loukkos region to overflow and dams to reach capacity. Water spread across low-lying farmland, while strong winds damaged plastic greenhouses used to grow strawberries, raspberries and blueberries.
The Loukkos basin is a key farming area. Its fertile soil and steady water supply have helped Morocco become a major supplier of red fruits to European markets. But the flat landscape also makes the region vulnerable when water levels rise quickly.
Producers say the damage is already significant. Amine Bennani, head of the Moroccan association of red fruit producers, told Fresh Plaza that at least 10 percent of the cultivated area in Loukkos has been affected. Some fields have been flooded, especially near rivers, and the wind has torn apart many greenhouses.
The floods have also caused labour shortages. The nearby city of Ksar El Kebir, which provides most workers for surrounding farms, was largely evacuated as a safety measure. With many workers absent, harvesting has slowed or stopped. Red fruits are highly perishable, and delays can lead to heavy losses.
Even farms outside the worst flooded areas are feeling the impact. Greenhouses are costly and fragile, and once damaged they can no longer protect crops.
