Morocco has firmly established itself as one of the leading global players in red berry production. This success is due not only to the favorable climatic conditions provided by its unique geographical features but also to the adoption of advanced technologies and innovative products. Among these is Bulhnova, one of Probelte’s flagship products, which plays a crucial role in optimizing these crops.
The importance of berries in the international market
In recent years, Morocco has witnessed remarkable growth in the production and export of red berries, including strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Data from the first quarter of 2024 shows that Morocco exported 66,000 tons of these products, marking a 20% increase compared to the same period the previous year.
“[…] This sector has grown significantly in recent years, driven by rising international demand,” explains Mohamed El Hard, MENA Export Manager at Probelte. “Growth has been particularly notable in raspberries and blueberries due to the high quality of fresh fruit and availability during periods with limited competition.” This positioning has been instrumental in solidifying Morocco’s reputation as a leader in red berry exports.
Bulhnova: Enhancing crop production and soil health
Morocco’s success in red berry production would not have been possible without the implementation of advanced technologies to overcome modern agricultural challenges. One such technology is Bulhnova, a biostimulant designed to improve irrigation water efficiency and enhance nutrient absorption in crops. According to experts, Bulhnova has been key in optimizing water usage for irrigation.
“Red berry crops are increasingly challenged by climate change, particularly water and heat stress. In response, farmers are adopting water-saving irrigation techniques and microclimate controls within greenhouses,” says El Hard.
In these scenarios, Bulhnova demonstrates its effectiveness. As El Hard confirms:
“We are developing its use as a solution for both soil-based and hydroponic red berry crops to maximize irrigation water efficiency. It mitigates the effects of excessive salinity while enabling plants to benefit from macronutrients derived from the solubilization of phosphorus and potassium in the soil, as well as atmospheric nitrogen fixation.”
Additionally, Bulhnova contributes to soil microbiota regeneration, improving soil health in both the short and long term. This not only increases per-hectare yields but also enhances post-harvest fruit quality, a critical factor in the competitive red berry market where product quality is paramount to sustaining demand.
Challenges and solutions for the future of berries in Morocco
espite its success, Morocco’s red berry farmers still face significant challenges, particularly the need to maintain sustainable production in the face of extreme climatic conditions, such as storms and droughts, which have already caused significant damage to agricultural infrastructure and reduced output in certain regions.
To address these challenges, adopting solutions like Bulhnova is a viable path that offers sustainable and incremental value to agricultural production. As international market demands grow and the impacts of climate change intensify, farmers will increasingly need to turn to technologies that enable them to maintain high-quality production sustainably.
According to El Hard, the future of red berries in Morocco is bright but closely tied to farmers’ ability to adopt technological solutions that meet current and future challenges:
“The outlook for these crops in Morocco is very promising. With rising international demand, intensive production, and market requirements, farmers will need to improve their efficiency and sustainability while maintaining high harvest quality. Solutions like Bulhnova will be indispensable in achieving this.”
