Al Sharq ranks second nationally in date production with 11% of national production
Oriental Eco
The date palm oases in the Fakik region have achieved a qualitative leap in production and yield, enabling the East Region to rank second nationally in date production with 11% of the national production, surpassing several traditional regions in this field, while the Draa Tafilalet region retains the top spot with 76%. This progress reflects the success of the Green Generation Strategy 2020-2030 in transforming oases into a model for sustainable development in oasis regions.
Rising Productivity Indicators
During the current agricultural season, the production of Fakik oases reached more than 10,500 tons on an area of 2,630 hectares. Production is expected to increase by an additional 4,000 tons by 2030, thanks to the expansion of cultivated areas, improved production techniques and sustainable water management. The Palm Division currently provides 97,000 days of employment and generates a turnover of Dh400 million, which is expected to reach Dh600 million with improved standards in 2030.
Five strategic projects
This performance was based on five main projects. The first relates to the mobilization of water from the Safisif and Larkeisa dams at a cost of 250 million dirhams, providing the oases with 10 million cubic meters per year. The second project under construction (Khankro Dam) will boost the water supply to the oases of Beni Tajit, Bouanan and Ain El Chaouatir by about 100 million cubic meters. In addition, 66 drinking water distribution points have been built and equipped in the oases.
The modernization of the irrigation network over 3,500 hectares between 2020 and 2024, with an investment of Dh69 million, saved 5 million cubic meters of water per year. In parallel, the program to switch to localized irrigation, which covered 8,900 hectares, saved 20 million cubic meters per year. In total, the water conservation program has saved an additional 25 million cubic meters, a vital achievement in light of the successive drought years.
Variety and organizational alignment
The oases of Fakik produce various varieties of dates, most notably Aziza Bouzid, Assayan, Boufkous and Boufkous Agras, known for their nutritional value and high yield. To enhance added value, seven processing and canning units, two economic interest groups, 30 agricultural cooperatives and 14 associations of agricultural water users have been established.
The Regional Directorate of Agriculture continues to support producers through technical and logistical support programs, encourage the use of distinctive marks of origin and quality, and facilitate the participation of cooperatives in local and international exhibitions, said Mohamed Yacoubi, regional director of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forestry. The plan is to distribute 370,000 Aziza palm seedlings at a rate of 50,000 per year until 2030, with five additional canning and conditioning units and the equipping of thousands of hectares with drip irrigation systems.
