Morocco: The cochineal devastated more than 15,000 hectares

Published 2024년 4월 18일

Tridge summary

Morocco is grappling with a severe cochineal insect epidemic that has wreaked havoc on over 15,000 hectares of its vital cactus crops, posing a significant threat to the agricultural economy and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. Despite the Ministry of Agriculture's efforts, including the destruction of affected plants and pesticide distribution, the pests have proven resistant to traditional methods. This has led to the exploration of biological control strategies to curb the insect's rapid spread, exacerbated by factors such as wind and transportation. The situation underscores the challenges facing Morocco's cactus cultivation and the urgent need for effective solutions.
Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

The epidemic of cochineal, a devastating insect, continues to loom over Morocco and has devastated more than 15,000 hectares of cactus crops in recent years, according to revelations from the Minister of Agriculture, Mohammed Sadiki. The cochineal represents an imminent danger for the cactus sector, an emblematic crop vital to the Moroccan agricultural economy. The summer season, a time of high demand, sees the cactus play a crucial role in providing essential income to farmers and contributing to regional food security. Faced with this threat, the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests has launched decisive actions to stem the spread of cochineal, Hespress said today. Between July 2016 and December 2023, nearly 39 million linear meters of heavily infested cacti were uprooted and destroyed, in an effort to contain this devastating threat. These mammoth efforts aim to safeguard the health of cactus crops and protect the livelihoods of ...
Source: Agrimaroc

Would you like more in-depth insights?

Gain access to detailed market analysis tailored to your business needs.
By clicking “Accept Cookies,” I agree to provide cookies for statistical and personalized preference purposes. To learn more about our cookies, please read our Privacy Policy.