Eastern Province participates in the 14th edition of the International Dates Exhibition in Erfoud
Oriental Eco
The Regional Directorate of Agriculture in the East Region participated in the 14th edition of the International Dates Exhibition in Erfoud, which was held from October 29 to November 2, 2025 under the slogan “Sustainable management of water resources in the oases of Fejeej: The basis for date palm and oasis development”. Under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forestry, this participation reflects the continued involvement of the East Region in national efforts to develop the oases of Fejaij as a central pillar of social, economic and environmental development.
Structured projects to boost water resources
Within the framework of the Green Generation Strategy 2020-2030, the regional directorate implemented a number of projects aimed at enhancing water resources and valorizing oases. Foremost among them is the project to draw water from the Safisif and Rekiza dams with a financial cost of 250 million dirhams, which aims to mobilize about 10 million cubic meters per year for the benefit of the oases of Fejaij. The Khenkrou dam project has also enabled the oases of Beni Tadjit, Bouanan and Ain Chaouatir to increase their water supply by about 100 million cubic meters.
In terms of water infrastructure, 66 water points were created and equipped to provide water supply to the population, in addition to rehabilitating the irrigation network over an area of 3,500 hectares with an investment of about 69 million dirhams. These measures have saved more than 5 million cubic meters of water per year, reflecting the trend towards rationalizing water consumption and improving irrigation efficiency.
Spot irrigation saves 20 million cubic meters per year
The localized irrigation program has achieved tangible results, with more than 8,900 hectares equipped with drip irrigation, saving more than 20 million cubic meters of water annually. This trend reflects the importance of modern technology in addressing the issue of water scarcity facing oasis areas.
Dates production to reach 14,500 tons by 2030
During the 2024-2025 agricultural season, the date production and valorization chain in the Fejaij region witnessed a remarkable development. The cultivated area reached 2,630 hectares, and production reached about 10,500 tons, with expectations of reaching 14,500 tons by 2030. This dynamism contributed to the creation of 97,000 working days and a turnover of Dh400 million, highlighting the growing economic role of the date sector in the region.
The oases of Fejaij are characterized by the diversity of their premium varieties, such as Aziza Bouzid, El Ossian, Boufkous and Boufkous Agras, which are known for their high quality and excellent yield. To strengthen the valorization system, seven date packing and valorization units, two economic interest groups, 30 agricultural cooperatives, and 14 associations of agricultural water users have been established.
Commitment to sustainable oasis development
The participation of the Eastern Province in the International Dates Exhibition in Erfoud reflected its commitment to continue efforts to promote the sustainable management of water resources in the oases of Fejaij, valorize local products, and support the resilience of oasis systems in the face of climate change. This participation confirms the strategic vision of the Ministry of Agriculture aimed at achieving sustainable, innovative and inclusive agriculture that contributes to improving the living conditions of the local population and enhancing the economic and social dynamism of the Eastern Province.
