Figuig Oasis projects boost date production to over 10,000 tons

Sunday 02 November 2025 - 16:45

By: Sahili Aya

Figuig Oasis projects boost date production to over 10,000 tons

The Figuig oasis in Morocco is expected to produce more than 10,500 tons of dates during the current agricultural campaign, according to the Regional Directorate of Agriculture (DRA) of the Oriental region. The total area planted with date palms now covers 2,630 hectares, thanks to ongoing initiatives aimed at developing this key agricultural sector.

Projections indicate that production could increase by an additional 4,000 tons by 2030, driven by the expansion of cultivated areas, improvements in farming techniques, and sustainable water management practices.

The date industry in Figuig generated 97,000 workdays and an estimated 400 million Moroccan dirhams in revenue during the current season. Under the Generation Green 2020-2030 strategy, the DRA is implementing integrated projects to improve water resources, enhance natural assets, and increase agricultural profitability across the oasis, which spans over 11,500 hectares.

Key projects include strengthening the hydro-agricultural network using the Sfsef and Rkiza dams (10 million cubic meters annually) and the Khankrou dam (100 million cubic meters planned) to improve water supply. Additionally, 66 new water points have been established, and irrigation efficiency has been upgraded across 3,500 hectares, securing over 5 million cubic meters of water per year.

Over 9,000 hectares have been converted to drip irrigation, saving more than 20 million cubic meters of water annually. The region produces high-quality date varieties, such as Aziza Bouzid, Al Asssiane, Boufeggous, and Boufeggous Aghras, and has seen significant development in processing and organization, with 7 processing units, 2 economic interest groups, 30 agricultural cooperatives, and 14 water-user associations established.

The DRA’s participation in the Erfoud International Date Fair (SIDATTES 2025) highlights efforts to promote sustainable oasis development, local product valorization, and ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change.