Morocco's Tomato Industry Thrives Amid Water Crisis
Morocco's tomato exports reached 745,000 tons, generating €1.2 billion for 2024/2025, despite a severe seven-year drought. The government is investing in desalination to support high-value crops like tomatoes, highlighting the sector's strategic importance amid water scarcity.
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In the agricultural campaign 2024/2025, Morocco exported 745,000 tons of tomatoes, generating approximately €1.2 billion. This represents an 8.3% increase from the previous year and surpasses the previous record set in 2022/2023.
The drought, which lasted seven years, severely impacted local grain and livestock production, leading to a 60% reduction in cereal yield and a 38% decrease in livestock since 2016. In response, the Moroccan government is implementing desalination projects, aiming for 1.7 billion cubic meters of desalinated water by 2030 to support high-value crops.
While the tomato sector benefits, the environmental impact of desalination, including increased salinity and ecosystem effects, poses risks. The agricultural model prioritizing exports may need reevaluation to ensure sustainable water use.
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