Spain: The cultivation of aloe vera in Murcia triples in 3 years

The cultivation of aloe vera in the Region of Murcia grew more than 200 percent since 2018 and already exceeds 50 hectares, well above the 17 registered three years ago, as announced by the Minister of Agriculture, Antonio Luengo. "It is a highly profitable alternative crop, which during the past season resulted in the production of 1,600 tons of fresh leaf," explained Luengo. The areas where cultivation predominates are Lorca and Mazarrón, followed by Águilas, Fuente Álamo and Torre Pacheco, among others. Of this production, 90 percent is exported to third countries. The success of the cultivation resides in that it adapts to the climatic conditions of the Region of Murcia, "an ideal place for the cultivation of aloe vera for its soil rich in organic matter, aerated and with many hours of sun a day, which means it is added that it is a rainfed crop, which needs few water resources, "said the counselor. In addition, it is a crop that is 90 percent organic and has a great diversity ...