Thanks to a suitable climate, well-established agricultural traditions, significant water resources and temperatures ensuring the vernalization of the apple, the province of Midelt sits proudly in this seeded rosaceae sector with a record production which gives it without a doubt the label of the “Apple Capital”.
With more than half of the national production and 90% of that of the Drâa-Tafilalet region, Midelt, which is hosting this week the 4th National Apple Show (SAPOM 2024), is transformed, for four days, into a real showcase of news and advances in the development of the apple industry.
In fact, this annual meeting, long awaited by farmers in the region and by ordinary visitors, promises, from October 16 to 19, a rich and diverse program and a range of shows and activities with an economic, cultural, social and scientific.
Promoting exchanges between the different actors and professionals in the field, sharing good practices and the latest agricultural techniques in the production and development of the apple tree and strengthening the influence of the province, these are the objectives set out by the SAPOM association, organizer of this event, in partnership with the province of Midelt, under the aegis of the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests.
Placed under the theme ”Sustainable development of the apple sector in mountainous areas”, this edition also aims to strengthen the role of cooperatives and agricultural associations, to develop their capacities and skills, in addition to supporting small producers and their enable it to contribute effectively to the development of the social economy in the region.
According to the regional director of Agriculture, Jamal Mimouni, apple growing, like other sectors, has benefited from significant support thanks to the Agricultural Development Fund covering all links in production, from the preparation of the land and its equipment with a drip irrigation system through to the installation of apple recovery and storage units, including the acquisition of plants and anti-hail nets, as well as the necessary agricultural machinery and equipment.
In explanations provided to MAP, Mr. Mimouni added that the Regional Directorate of Agriculture, as part of supporting small farmers, has set up apple processing and storage units. a total capacity of around 1,600 tonnes for the benefit of agricultural cooperatives with a view to ensuring the success of solidarity projects.
And as part of the “Green Generation” Strategy, apple growing, like other production sectors, benefited from a program contract between the State and the Interprofessional Federation of the fruit tree growing sector in Morocco for the period 2021- 2030, said the manager, noting that the objective is to give substance to large-scale projects aimed at increasing the added value of this chain and strengthening its contribution to the national economy.
According to figures from the Regional Directorate of Agriculture, apple production for this year should reach more than 275,000 tonnes in the Drâa-Tafilalet region, a drop of 10% compared to last season in due to the difficult climatic conditions experienced by the region.
Beyond the exhibition of the main varieties which are the pride of an entire region (Golden delicious, stark delicious, Royal Gala, Golden smoothe…), the Show plans scientific conferences led by experts on the means of developing the apple industry, seminars focused on the challenges and ways to improve apple production in the region, as well as training workshops dedicated to farmers and cooperatives.
The program concocted for this edition also includes sports competitions, artistic evenings, a craft fair and Tbourida shows.
How is sustainable development being integrated into apple farming practices in Midelt?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Jamal Mimouni, Regional Director of Agriculture
Time.news Editor: Good morning, everyone! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jamal Mimouni, the Regional Director of Agriculture for the Drâa-Tafilalet region, right in the heart of what many are calling the “Apple Capital” — Midelt. Welcome, Mr. Mimouni!
Jamal Mimouni: Good morning! Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss the apple industry in our region, especially as we host the 4th National Apple Show.
Editor: Indeed! The SAPOM 2024 is an exciting event for both farmers and visitors. Can you tell us a bit about what makes Midelt so special for apple production?
Mimouni: Absolutely. Midelt benefits from a perfect climate, established agricultural traditions, and significant water resources. These factors, combined with ideal temperatures for the vernalization of apples, create an environment that’s conducive to producing high-quality fruit. In fact, we contribute over half of Morocco’s apple production and 90% of what comes from the Drâa-Tafilalet region.
Editor: That’s impressive! This year’s SAPOM is themed around “Sustainable Development of the Apple Sector in Mountainous Areas”. Why is this theme particularly important?
Mimouni: The theme reflects our commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. We are focused on enhancing the role of cooperatives and agricultural associations in the region. By developing their skills and capacities, we can help small producers effectively participate in the growing economy, contributing to both social and economic stability.
Editor: That’s a noble goal. The program for SAPOM features a variety of activities and shows. What can attendees expect?
Mimouni: Visitors can look forward to a rich program that includes exhibitions, presentations of new agricultural techniques, and workshops on best practices in apple production. It’s a great opportunity not just for farmers to learn and connect, but also for the general public to gain insights into our agricultural advancements.
Editor: Collaboration is essential in agriculture. How does SAPOM encourage exchanges between different stakeholders?
Mimouni: The event encourages dialog between farmers, agricultural experts, and industry professionals. We believe in sharing knowledge and experiences as a means to uplift the entire sector. This collaboration is vital as we move towards innovative solutions that can enhance productivity and sustainability.
Editor: You mentioned the support from the Agricultural Development Fund. Can you elaborate on how this support boosts apple production here?
Mimouni: The Agricultural Development Fund provides comprehensive support across all stages of apple production. This includes funding for land preparation, drip irrigation systems, and even the installation of apple recovery and storage units. It’s crucial for our farmers to have access to this kind of support to improve efficiency and increase yield.
Editor: It sounds like Midelt is not just the “Apple Capital” in name but also in robust industry practices. What does the future look like for apple farming in Midelt?
Mimouni: With continued support for sustainable practices and innovation, as well as a focus on cooperative development, I believe the future is bright. We aim to strengthen the apple sector further and ensure that it contributes positively to the community and the economy.
Editor: Mr. Mimouni, thank you for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that the apple industry in Midelt is thriving, and we can’t wait to see how it evolves in the coming years.
Mimouni: Thank you for having me. I invite everyone to join us at SAPOM 2024 to witness the vibrancy of our apple sector firsthand!