Casablanca – After several difficult years marked by drought and declining yields, Morocco’s oases are on the verge of what experts and farmers alike are calling a “historic” date harvest. Producers across the southeast and other oasis regions say the 2025 season, which peaks in September, will be unlike any in recent memory—bringing both abundant volumes and high-quality fruit to the market.

A dramatic turnaround for the oases

For years, harsh climatic conditions severely affected Morocco’s palm groves, devastating yields and reducing the quality of traditional varieties. Farmers struggled as entire stretches of oases withered, and local markets felt the impact with fewer varieties available and higher prices.

This year, however, the outlook has shifted dramatically. Sector professionals and cooperative leaders estimate that production could increase by as much as 50% compared to last year. The rebound is expected not only to improve profitability for farmers but also to restore the presence of long-cherished varieties that had nearly vanished from Moroccan markets.

The role of rain and climate conditions

The key factor behind this revival has been rainfall. Heavy showers in September 2024 replenished groundwater, revived palm groves, and supported strong flowering and fruiting cycles. The precipitation gave new energy to the oases after years of severe drought that had destroyed large portions of them.

Warmer temperatures this year also accelerated the ripening process, bringing some varieties to maturity earlier than usual. Farmers note that early harvests are already underway in some areas, with full-scale harvesting to follow in the coming weeks.

Decline in crop diseases brings further relief

Another important factor in the sector’s recovery has been the noticeable retreat of destructive pests and diseases. In past years, infestations such as the red palm weevil and scale insects had severely damaged crops. Their reduced spread this season has boosted both yields and quality, giving farmers renewed confidence.

Forgotten varieties make a comeback

One of the most anticipated outcomes of this year’s harvest is the return of traditional varieties that had been absent from markets for years. Dates such as Boustahmi, Jihl, and Bouslikhen—long cherished by Moroccan consumers—are expected to reappear in abundance.

At the same time, premium varieties such as Feggous and Mejhool are forecast to see stronger output, benefiting from both favorable climatic conditions and the entry of new plantations developed under the government’s agricultural modernization programs.

Farmers and cooperatives preparing at full capacity

To ensure the smooth distribution of this bumper harvest, cooperatives and economic interest groups are preparing their packing and storage facilities at full capacity. These organizations play a vital role in helping small-scale farmers bring their produce to market, guaranteeing that Moroccan consumers receive high-quality, locally grown dates at fair prices.

“The Moroccan consumer will see 100% local dates in the markets—better in quality and more diverse in variety than in recent years,” said one industry representative.

Market outlook: Will prices fall?

For consumers, the central question is whether the surge in production will translate into cheaper prices. Producers say that, with plentiful supply, prices are likely to decline by around 10% compared to last year. Current forecasts suggest that popular varieties could be sold at $1.55 to $3.60 per kilogram, making them more accessible to Moroccan households.

However, professionals caution that price trends depend on several factors, including supply-demand dynamics and weather conditions during the final weeks of the season. Sudden heavy rains could damage crops at the last minute, altering both availability and pricing.

Regional highlights: Figuig and Zagora

In Figuig, cooperatives are particularly optimistic, citing strong prospects for unique local varieties such as Aziza and Feggous. Similarly, in Zagora, farmers report that the effects of previous droughts have largely dissipated thanks to last year’s rainfall, and production is on track to rise by about 50%.

Government strategy for long-term growth

Beyond the immediate harvest, Morocco is also working to secure the long-term future of its date sector. The Green Generation 2023–2030 program includes investments in new plantations, improved farming techniques, and millions of new seedlings. These initiatives aim to expand cultivated areas, increase yields, and strengthen the resilience of the sector against climate shocks.

A season to remember

For Morocco’s farmers, the 2025 date harvest is more than just a rebound—it represents a lifeline after years of hardship. For consumers, it offers the promise of greater variety at fairer prices. And for the national economy, it signals the renewed vitality of one of the kingdom’s oldest and most culturally significant agricultural traditions.

If forecasts hold true, this year’s harvest may well be remembered as a turning point—a season when Morocco’s oases not only survived but flourished again.