During a visit to several farms between Imouzzer Kandar and Sefrou, Le360 observed a hive of activity as the apple harvest got underway. Farmers and workers were busy picking red and yellow apples and packing them into crates before they are sorted and sent to storage and distribution facilities.
Speaking to Le360, farmer Mostafa Radouane said the current season was showing “very promising” signs. Apples from the Imouzzer Kandar area have earned a strong reputation nationwide for their quality, which he attributed to the region’s climate and soil.
Harvesting began in early September with the Gala variety, before moving on to Delicious and Golden apples, he added.
According to Radouane, this year’s season is significantly better than previous ones, thanks to the heavy rainfall Morocco received earlier this year. The improved conditions have boosted both fruit production and yields, with each tree producing between four and 15 crates weighing 25 kilograms each. The most productive trees can yield more than 300 kilograms of apples.
While higher yields have raised hopes for a successful season, Radouane noted that a larger harvest does not necessarily translate into higher incomes for farmers. The price at which apples are sold remains a key factor in determining their final returns.
Apples currently leave farms at around 6 dirhams per kilogram, rising to between 8 and 9 dirhams at wholesale markets before reaching consumers at approximately 11 to 12 dirhams per kilogram, depending on the distribution chain.
Cold storage also plays a key role in the marketing of apples. Many producers store a significant portion of their harvest to preserve its quality and extend the selling season. However, storage and refrigeration come at an additional cost for farmers.
The price gap also widens as apples pass through intermediaries and transporters before reaching consumers.
Read also : FAO flags erosion, salinization and soil depletion in Morocco
Radouane also pointed to the growing difficulty of finding agricultural workers, as labor shortages and rising employment costs put additional pressure on farmers. Many farms are located in remote areas, forcing producers to arrange daily transportation for workers and adding to the overall cost of the harvest.
With an abundant crop, higher tree yields and good-quality fruit, early signs point to a promising apple season in Imouzzer Kandar. Farmers are now hoping that the strong harvest will translate into better returns and eventually benefit consumers through more affordable prices and higher-quality produce.
