Morocco bets on desalination to support its export agriculture: "It's better to have expensive water than none at all"

Zakaria Afkir, a 24-year-old farmer in Morocco, highlights how a simple red crank and pipe have transformed his family's tomato farm. This setup connects them to a desalination station, allowing them to irrigate their crops with treated seawater, significantly reducing their reliance on groundwater. Previously, they faced challenges due to pumping restrictions during hot periods, which threatened their harvests. Now, they can access up to 3,500 cubic meters of water per hectare annually, meeting half of their tomato crop's water needs.