Doukkala: The Sugar Beet Sector Shows Strong Performance for the 2025-2026 Campaign
Positive Outcomes for Sugar Beet Cultivation in the Casablanca-Settat Region for the 2025-2026 Agricultural Campaign
The sugar beet industry in the Casablanca-Settat region has reported positive results for the 2025-2026 agricultural campaign, driven notably by improved climatic conditions and increased rainfall.
According to the Regional Agricultural Development Office of Doukkala (ORMVAD), the total production of sugar beet reached approximately 544,000 tons, with an average sugar content close to 17%, marking a 31% increase compared to the previous campaign.
This performance can be largely attributed to significant rainfall in the region, with total precipitation reaching 418 mm, which is a remarkable 146% increase year-on-year.
Additionally, the area dedicated to sugar beet cultivation has expanded, growing to nearly 9,200 hectares, reflecting a 9% rise from the previous campaign.
The harvesting campaign commenced on June 1, 2026, and concluded on July 21, encompassing the main production areas, including Zemamra, Sidi Bennour, El Fargh, and Gharbia. The operations were carried out under favorable conditions, thanks to coordination among various stakeholders in the industry.
The favorable climatic conditions also resulted in promising technical outcomes. Recorded indicators on the ground revealed a satisfactory average weight of roots, a yield exceeding 60 tons per hectare, and an average sugar content of 16.5%.
These achievements are also linked to the collaboration between ORMVA, Cosumar Group, the Regional Agriculture Chamber, the Doukkala-Abda Sugar Beet Producers Association, local authorities, and representatives from the Regional Technical Sugar Commission.
A number of measures have been implemented to support the industry and bolster its competitiveness. These measures include support for nitrogen fertilizers and an 80 dirham increase per ton in the purchase price of sugar beet, which is now set at 630 dirhams per ton for the ongoing campaign.
From a technical standpoint, farmers have benefited from high-quality production factors, enhanced guidance, field monitoring, and phytosanitary control. Modern surveillance technologies have also been employed to track crop progression and allow for rapid interventions when necessary.
Sugar beet is one of the region’s key agricultural sectors, and its development aligns with the objectives of the Generational Green strategy, focusing on modernizing production techniques and the gradual integration of digital solutions.
Beyond its agricultural dimension, this sector plays a significant economic and social role. It generates over two million workdays annually and provides producers with an average income exceeding 37,000 dirhams per hectare.
In this context, ORMVA emphasizes the importance of ensuring a reliable irrigation water supply in the Doukkala area, particularly concerning major ongoing structural projects in the region, including the seawater desalination project.
Improved water supply security would expand the areas allocated to sugar beet cultivation and optimize the capacity utilization of the regional sugar manufacturing plant, which normally accounts for nearly 40% of national production during regular campaigns.
Strengthening this sector is expected to contribute significantly to agricultural development, value creation, and economic support in the Casablanca-Settat region.
