Morocco steps to regulate watermelon production amid water scarcity

Rabat - The government is continuing to implement measures to restrict the production of watermelon in Morocco in an attempt to ration dwindling water resources. In Zagora, a key production province of the water-intensive crop, the governor issued a decision limiting the maximum areas allowed for the cultivation of watermelon to one hectare. The decision was announced on the sidelines of a meeting held at the administration headquarters on October 18, 2023. The restriction equally extends to cultivating all types of watermelon in areas close to drinking water pumping fields defined by local committees. The designated areas include facilities supplying potable water and the banks of the Draa River along the oases, in addition to the riverbeds. To monitor the implementation of the decision, local authorities have set up committees tasked with monitoring the quantity of water extracted for irrigation and tracking the condition of water resources. The committees can also take legal ...