Morocco to produce 54,000 tons of dates

Morocco is expecting a date production of 54,000 tons, marking an improvement of 62% compared to the previous season, the agriculture ministry forecast.

A rate of 44% of this quantity is a top quality variety, intermediary quality account for 34% while low quality dates will represent 22% of the harvest.

Top quality dates, known in Morocco as Majhoul, are sold at a price ranging between 60 DH (US$ 6) to 100 DH per kilogram.

The ministry also says the improvement in the date production will ensure a normal market supply during the fasting month of Ramadan during which dates consumption is a must in the fast-breaking meal.

Palm trees are grown on 47,300 hectares, with an average density of 100 trees/hectares. One million inhabitants are living on palm tree fruits, mainly in the southern regions of Ouarzazate and Errachidia. A disease has destroyed two thirds of the Moroccan palm trees that used to extend in the last century over 150,000 hectares.

According to the source, 1.3 million tress of a new disease-resistant variety will be planted by 2010.