Tomato exports record 49% decrease in 19999-2000 season

Moroccan tomato exports in the 1999-2000 season, totaling 59,520 tons, recorded a 49% decreased compared to the previous season when quantities stood at 105,022 tons, says the association of fruits and vegetables producers-exporters.

The association ascribed the decrease to a reduction of tomato-growing areas, resulting from effects of the white fly virus that hit crops. The virus propagation led farmers to use anti-fly nets, conduct weeding out operations and take away contaminated plants.

In addition, a cold season also contributed to reduce production.

Although the price of tomatoes soared in internal markets, this did not help producers who had to sustain additional expenses resulting from the use of means to limit the virus propagation, the association explains.