Casablanca – The Souss-Massa region, one of Morocco’s most strategic agricultural hubs, is experiencing an unusual shift in its pepper production cycle following weeks of heavy rainfall. After years of drought and recurring climate fluctuations, the recent weather has slowed traditional harvesting but, at the same time, opened the door to a winter production cycle—a first for the region.

According to multiple sources, including East Fruit and local industry reports, recent storms—led by Storm “Francis” following Storm “Emilia”—brought persistent and intense rainfall. While such conditions might typically raise concerns about crop losses, the impact on pepper fields has been limited. Wadis (seasonal riverbeds) filled with water, but farms and greenhouses remained intact, and roads stayed accessible throughout the region’s agricultural areas.

Farm conditions have generally remained stable despite the unusual weather. These exceptional conditions coincided with the sector’s move toward year-round production this season. For the first time, producers launched a winter production cycle, beginning in December with the harvest of seedlings planted between July and September. This marks a significant departure from the traditional single summer or summer-fall cycle and reflects the sector’s adaptability to both climate variability and market demand.

Delays observed during the early stages of the season were primarily due to slow deliveries of seedlings from local nurseries rather than weather conditions. While these delays affected the harvest schedule, they did not compromise the overall quality of the pepper yield.

Farmers also implemented precautionary measures to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall. Some temporarily suspended harvesting during periods of intense precipitation to preserve fruit quality and reduce cleaning costs, while packing and sorting stations slowed operations accordingly. These measures have not disrupted supply chains or export commitments, demonstrating the resilience and flexibility of the region’s agricultural sector.

On the plant health front, conditions remain under control. Virus levels in pepper crops are below usual thresholds for this period, and overall plant health remains stable, reflecting effective preventive measures against humidity-related risks.

This season is notable not only for climatic challenges but also for the diversification of pepper production. Farmers are cultivating multiple varieties, including “Kapia” peppers, small snack peppers for immediate consumption, and sweet peppers. By producing across both winter and summer cycles, local farms are achieving, for the first time, a full-year yield. This represents a strategic shift for Souss-Massa, enhancing the region’s ability to supply both domestic and export markets consistently throughout the year.

The heavy rainfall has also brought additional benefits. By replenishing water resources and improving soil conditions, the rains have mitigated some long-term effects of drought, boosting farmers’ confidence and ensuring the stability of production. Infrastructure, including greenhouses, remained unharmed, highlighting the robustness of the region’s agricultural systems.

This season in Souss-Massa underscores the intersection of climate variability, agricultural innovation, and operational resilience. Moroccan pepper producers are demonstrating the ability to manage extreme weather while expanding production cycles and diversifying output. Observers suggest that this model could serve as a blueprint for other regions in Morocco and North Africa facing similar climatic challenges, marking a potential turning point in vegetable cultivation strategies.

Souss-Massa’s pepper sector is entering a transformative phase. While heavy rains temporarily slowed harvesting, they also enabled the launch of a winter production cycle, the potential for a full-year yield, and reinforced operational strategies. In a region long challenged by drought, these developments signal both a strategic and climatic evolution, positioning Souss-Massa as a resilient and innovative leader in Morocco’s agricultural landscape.