فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
The local market has recently witnessed a significant increase in onion prices, reaching up to 10 dirhams per kilogram. This sudden spike has raised numerous questions among consumers, especially in the Hajeb region, which is traditionally known for its abundant onion production. However, behind the high prices lies a chain of challenges that farmers face—often overlooked by the public.
In this context, a farmer from the Ait Boubidmane area told Fes News in a phone interview that onion cultivation involves a highly delicate and labor-intensive process. It begins with what is known as “tahrefa”—planting a half onion to extract seeds. These seeds are then sifted and replanted to produce the final onion heads. The entire process requires manual care, intense labor, and increasing costs from the outset.
The farmer emphasized that they have no control over the final market price of onions. Middlemen and brokers buy produce directly from farms at very low prices—ranging from 0.50 to 0.80 dirhams per kilogram from small-scale farmers and up to 1.5 to 2 dirhams from larger producers. These same onions are then resold in markets at five times the purchase price. This disparity fails to reflect the farmers’ hard work and actual earnings, with many ending the season facing significant losses.
Storage issues further exacerbate the situation. Farmers lack proper logistical infrastructure to preserve the quality of their produce. In many cases, poor storage conditions result in spoilage of nearly half the harvested crop. “Out of 100 tons, only 50 tons are fit for sale,” the farmer explained, highlighting how post-harvest losses compound the financial burden, especially with the ongoing rise in input costs.
Regarding government agricultural subsidies, the farmer noted that while there is support of 4,000 dirhams per hectare, the delays in disbursement—often up to a year and a half—render it ineffective. By the time the support is received, the farmer has already endured the entire production cycle and absorbed the losses without any real assistance.
In closing, the farmer issued a heartfelt appeal to the authorities, stressing that farmers are the backbone of Morocco’s food supply. Despite the hardships, they continue to ensure the availability of fruits and vegetables in the market. He urged immediate action to regulate the market, curb speculation, and speed up the distribution of subsidies—so that farmers can continue to produce under fair and dignified conditions, ensuring both market stability and their own livelihood.
source : fesnews media
