02 Oct Raspberry in Morocco: Innovation and Precision Agriculture in Agadir
Precision agriculture is transforming the way in which we cultivate food, and a clear example of this is the project of 35 hectares of raspberries grown using modern technology in the Agadir region, Morocco.
This ambitious project, carried out by Hermisan Maroc, uses advanced irrigation systems and automated irrigation misting systems that help optimise the use of water, fertilizers and natural resources, to therefore improve the efficiency and the sustainability of agricultural production.
A Pioneering Automated Irrigation System
In this project, the drip and misting irrigation is run by a completely automatic system, designed to adapt to the specific needs of the raspberry crops. The facility includes the supply of water from a reservoir, waterproofed by Hermisan Maroc, with two independent systems with capacities of 180 m³/h and 162 m³/h, respectively, one for a drip irrigation system and another one for an irrigation misting system, which guarantee an efficient constant supply. Furthermore, a double pressure booster set with variable-frequency drives adjusts the pressure according to the existing needs to therefore maximize the precision irrigation.
The automatic ring filtration system guarantees that the water is clean when it reaches the crops, while the injection system manages the application of fertilizers through 4 fertilizer storage tanks and a tank of acid, so that the exact pH level and the electric conductivity (EC) of the irrigation water can be controlled. This all contributes to efficient fertigation, where the supply of nutrients and water is adjusted in real time to the needs of the crop, which optimises its growth and cuts down on the amount of resources that are wasted.
Technology at the Service of Agriculture
One of the most innovative aspects of the project is the use of on-site solenoid valves, pressure regulators and pressure compensating non-drain drip emitters that ensure a uniform distribution of water and nutrients. Furthermore, the microtube distributors and the spikes, together with the hanging misting non-drain system, guarantee that the water is sprayed on efficiently at all times.
This advanced technology favours the smart management of the fertigation, where the water and the fertilizers are applied with precision, in exact amounts and at the right time. As a result, a better yield is obtained, the use of water is optimised and the environmental impact is reduced, key factors in a region like Agadir, where the amount of water available is limited.
Benefits of Precision Agriculture
The use of these modern technology systems has numerous benefits for the farmers and the environment. The use of automated systems means that each aspect of the cultivation process can be controlled better, from the amount of water to the level of nutrients in the soil. Not only does this improve the quality and the size of the fruit, it also reduces the operating costs by minimizing the excessive use of resources.
Moreover, precision agriculture helps to monitor the soil and climate conditions in real time, by adjusting the irrigation and fertigation variables to maximize the yield of the crops. This approach reduces the likelihood of diseases in the plants, by maintaining an optimum environment for their development.
Sustainability and Future
The raspberry project in Morocco proves that top quality food can be grown in a sustainable way, using advanced technology that benefits both the farmers and the environment. Precision agriculture not only improves the efficiency of the agricultural processes, it also helps manage the water resources better, which is crucial in areas where water is a limited resource.
In short, this project is a step forward towards the future of agriculture, where technology and sustainability are combined to guarantee efficient and environmentally friendly production. Agadir, with its favourable climate and its commitment to innovation, is positioning itself as being one of the key regions in the production of raspberries worldwide.
