Evaluation of Date Valorization Units in the Drâa-Tafilalet Region

Abstract

Efficient storage and handling facilities play a pivotal role in ensuring the quality and longevity of date palm produce. This study aims to contribute to the assessment of the operation of refrigeration units in the Drâa Tafilalet region through a diagnostic study conducted by surveying 12 date-packing units. Interviews and surveys were conducted among 12 date packaging units provided by the State to Economic Interest Groups (EIG) in the Drâa-Tafilalet region. Data focused on general EIG information, unit identification, a four-year operational overview, and 2021 palm date processing activities. To streamline analysis, units were categorized into two groups based on packaging capacity: Group 1 (≥400 tons) and Group 2 (<400 tons). The assessment revealed that the packaging units had enhanced this crucial link in the dating industry and introduced a new dynamic in the date marketing chain. However, operational expertise and optimal equipment utilization often fall short, with over 50% of the EIG failing to use provided equipment, except for cold storage rooms. The chain involves a series of operations to preserve the stored product’s intrinsic and extrinsic quality. Evaluated practices include fumigation, meticulous sorting to eliminate visually anomalous dates, calibration during packaging, and storage at temperatures ranging from 0 to 4˚C with humidity levels between 50 and 80%, varying based on the date’s nature (soft, dry, or semi-dry). Expertise in this process mitigates the risk of desiccation or excessive rehydration, preventing date fermentation. Finally, to reduce their energy consumption and solve the balance sheet deficit issue, the government has equipped all the date packaging units from Group 1 and one from Group 2 in the Daraa Tafilalet region with photovoltaic energy. The date packaging infrastructure has boosted the value of Moroccan dates, benefiting small-scale agriculture. Despite improved packaging quality and job creation, suboptimal equipment usage by over 50% of EIGs emphasizes the need for enhanced operational efficiency.