The Souss Massa region east of Agadir, a key area for early vegetable production, faced an unprecedented heatwave last August, with entire plantations scorched, seed shortages, and a month-long delay that led to significant commercial challenges. One year later, temperatures this season have not been extreme, and Kapi pepper grower Obeida Mansour is relieved, Fresh Plaza reported.
“Temperatures have been normal so far, and we hope they will remain so. Seed supply has gone smoothly, and the next season is set to start earlier than usual, around November,” Mansour said.
Universal Peppers, where Mansour works, has doubled its Kapi pepper acreage for the upcoming season, expanding to 30 hectares.
“I don’t know if acreage has increased in the region for this specific variety, but it has increased for peppers in general,” Mansour continued. “Demand is there, and our peppers will be destined for Germany, Switzerland, and Eastern Europe.”
In addition to weather challenges, early vegetable growers in the region must also battle pests and diseases. Those are “as much a problem as the weather,” he said.
Everyone is trying to switch to new varieties. Universal Peppers ran successful trials last season and has now switched commercially to a new Dutch-origin Kapi variety, according to Mansour.
As the new season approaches, Morocco’s pepper growers are hopeful for a strong harvest, marking a significant turnaround from last year’s difficulties.
The focus on new varieties and expanded acreage underscores the region’s resilience and adaptability in the face of climate and agricultural challenges.