Rabat – The export operations of  Moroccan agricultural and fisheries products continue to run normally, despite the COVID-19 crisis, a press release from Morocco’s Ministry of Agriculture stated on April 17.

The supply of the national market is also regular and follows strict safety and hygiene measures in the packaging and processing units, the statement continued.

Professionals in the agriculture and fisheries sector have succeeded in maintaining the balance of their value chain, according to the ministry. Despite prioritizing the national market over exports, the level of exports remains normal, if not better than the previous year.

Vegetable exports from the beginning of 2020 to April 14 reached a volume of approximately 876,000 tons, a 3% increase compared to the same period in 2019.

Red fruits exports also grew by 27% between 2019 and 2020. The volume reached nearly 68,400 tons between January 1 and April 14 of this year.

Watermelon exports have nearly doubled since 2019, increasing from 5,900 tons to 11,900 tons. Melon exports have also increased by 18%.

Meanwhile, the export of citrus fruits fell by approximately 30%, due to a decline in production because of drought.

The value of Moroccan agricultural exports remains at a good level, the Ministry of Agriculture said, thanks to their favorable prices in international markets.

The volume of seafood exported from January 1 to April 14 has reached 496,400 tons, an increase of 3% compared to the same period in 2019.

To ensure the maintenance of regular production and export operations despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the ministry has enforced a series of safety and health measures in production units.

The measures include strengthening the staff’s hygiene system in packaging and processing facilities, disinfecting the premises and means of transport, controlling employees’ temperature, providing staff with protective equipment, and respecting safe distances between personnel.

MOROCCOWORLDNEWS.COM

April 17, 2020