Export Earnings from Agricultural Products Reached so far 17.5 bln MAD, Official

Rabat - Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests Aziz Akhannouch, said, on Monday in Rabat, that export earnings from agricultural products have reached so far 17.5 billion dirhams.

Responding to a question during the oral questions session at the House of Representatives, Akhannouch stressed that these revenues reflect the efforts made in recent years and the promotion of crops with high value added. Agricultural products for export have maintained their growth, making it possible to achieve food self-sufficiency nationally and to increase the value of exports, he noted, explaining that the exportation of early vegetables has posted an increase of 9%, until May 24, 2020, totaling 1.178 million tonnes. The Minister clarified that 525,000 tonnes of tomatoes (an increase of 5% compared to the previous year) were exported, while exports of citrus fruits did not exceed 482,000 tonnes, down 27%, noting that the export of vegetables and fruit is now undergoing significant development. He also reported 120,000 tonnes of beans with a 9% increase, 45,000 tonnes of squash (+8%), 161,000 tonnes of watermelons (+74%), 87,000 tonnes of red fruits (+50%) and 40,000 tonnes of melons (+4%), in addition to 32,800 tonnes of avocados (193%).