Evaluation of Date Valorization Units in the Drâa-Tafilalet Region ()
1. Introduction
The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a symbol of pride and prosperity in the Saharan and pre-Saharan regions, primarily found along valleys. As one of the oldest and most significant fruit crops in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, it plays important socio-economic and ecological roles. More than 150 million date palm trees belonging to 5000 cultivars are cultivated in more than 30 different countries [1] and an annual global production of dates exceeds 8 million tons [2].
In Morocco, the date palm plays a crucial role in enhancing marginal and degraded soils, contributing up to 60% of the income of 1 million inhabitants of the arid and semi-arid regions [3]. Additionally, date palm cultivation generates more than 3 million working days per year [4], involving activities in palm groves, date processing, and storage, as well as the recovery of by-products.
The date fruit itself is not only delicious but also highly nutritious, offering essential nutrients like carbohydrates, dietary fibers, minerals, and vitamins. Moreover, dates possess various health benefits, including anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, and anti-inflammatory properties [5]. In fact, dates have a rich fruit flesh composed of simple carbohydrates such as sucrose, glucose, and fructose throughout their ripening phases. Apart from providing a pleasant flavor, these carbohydrates are a rapid energy source due to their quick absorption. The thick, sticky texture of dates allows for simple binding with complementary foods such as cereals, making them an ideal substrate for direct dietary intake and inclusion in various value-added products such as sweets, confectionaries, syrups, cola, juices, dairy desserts, and candies [6].
Morocco ranks among the world’s top 10 producers of dates, producing over 120,000 tons annually. The predominant cultivar planted in Morocco is “Mejhoul”, which is widely valued for its big size, sweet taste, and extended shelf life [7]. However, the date palm sector encounters several challenges including bayoud disease, water shortages, low yields, and a lack of structure and valorization units [8]. The Moroccan date palm sector faces numerous critical challenges. First, the diverse varieties of dates necessitate a nuanced approach for effective valorization. Second, ensuring quality and adherence to international standards is essential. Third, transforming dates into value-added products while maintaining their freshness presents significant hurdles. Fourth, finding markets and establishing efficient distribution channels remains a priority. Fifth, investment in research and innovation is crucial for sustainable development. Lastly, balancing economic growth with environmental preservation is an ongoing challenge [9].
The sustained and increasing demand for palm date quality extends from harvesting to processing. One of the key elements of the Date Palm program contract, signed between the State and the Interprofessional in 2010, is the establishment of refrigerated storage units with a capacity ranging from 100 to 400 tons. These units are designed to be managed by Economic Interest Groups (EIG) to preserve the quality of dates. This is particularly important for addressing the gap between the production period and the peak consumption period, mainly during the month of Ramadan. Improvements in market positioning conditions follow post-packaging operations, including cleaning, glazing, calibration, packaging in suitable crates or boxes, rehydration, and dehydration. These processes aim to enhance the market value and presentation of dates.
The objective of this study is to contribute to the evaluation of the functioning of refrigeration units in the Drâa Tafilalet region through a diagnostic study conducted through surveys with 12 date packaging units.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Data Collection
A comprehensive data collection initiative was undertaken through a series of interviews and surveys covering all Date Valorization Units within the Drâa-Tafilalet region (Figure 1). This study aimed to gather general information regarding the EIGs, including general EIG data, identification of date conditioning units, operational history of these units over the past four years, and specific date packaging activities during the 2021 campaign.
2.2. Data Analysis
The census reveals the presence of 12 storage units. To streamline data analysis and facilitate result presentation, these units will be grouped into the following two categories:
Group 1: Comprising packaging units with a capacity of 400 tons.
Group 2: Comprising packaging units with a capacity of less than 400 tons.
In the results section, we will initially delve into the structure of the typical packaging unit, followed by an examination of its various equipment components. Subsequently, a diagnostic assessment will be conducted based on the following key aspects:
The extent of equipment adherence to initially set standards.
The level of infrastructure utilization.
The conformity of operational mode with established standards.
Figure 1. The agricultural economic interest groups in the Drâa-Tafilalet region equipped with a date valorization unit.
3. Results
3.1. Presentation of a Model for the Date Packing Unit
A packaging unit is made up of nine parts: (1) a fumigation chamber, (2) a cold room, (3) sorting tables and conveyors, (4) the packaging unit, (5) machines for washing dates and crates, (6) a glucose coating machine, (7) a drying oven, (8) a date humidifier in the form of an oven, and (9) a laboratory for various analyses (Figure 2).
3.2. Analysis of the Characteristics of the Studied Packaging Units
3.2.1. Diagnostic of the Studied Packaging Units
Geographically, it is significant that every one of the twelve units is situated in an area that is not prone to flooding, is devoid of standing water, and has no offensive smells. Of the units, 67% are located distant from residential areas, and 42% have roads that are compact, uneven, and poorly maintained, making them difficult for users to reach.
The arrangement of the units, 380V electrical currents are installed in each unit. Their floors have gutters (with inspection traps) and are angled suitably to let liquids flow toward siphon returns. Additionally, every unit has enough ventilation to remove dust, avoid steam condensation, excess heat, or moisture, and refresh stale air. Ninety-two percent of the units are connected to the sanitation network and utilize enough potable water in their manufacturing operations. Likewise, 92% of them follow the “forward motion” theory.
Hygiene is a critical aspect of date palm processing, with all units running under transit and storage circumstances free of contamination. They have requirements for the personal cleanliness and dress of factory workers. The production equipment is also easy to clean, functional, and well-maintained. In addition, all units have cleaning and pest control programs (rats, insects, etc.) and are protected and segregated from animals and other vermin sources. Fumigation with an approved fumigant is a key measure to kill insects and prevent infestation during storage and processing. This process involves treating dates in crates arranged to allow adequate circulation of the fumigant. Phosphine tablets are used in an enclosed environment for 72 hours, followed by a 48-hour airing period to eliminate residual fumigant. A person approved by the ONSSA must carry out this operation.
Furthermore, 83% of units are authorized by ONSSA. Another connection among these units (100% of them) is that they have attended many training sessions provided by institutes within the Ministry of Agriculture.
3.2.2. Investment Cost
The two groups have different storage capacities, therefore Group 1’s construction expenses range from 16 to 19 million dirhams, while Group 2’s expenditures range from 5.6 to 11.4 million dirhams. Furthermore, there are differences in the percentages of each category in the overall cost between groups. A comparison reveals that the bulk of the overall cost is attributed to infrastructure and basic equipment, with rates for Group 1 and Group 2 being 60% and 84%, respectively. Group 1’s packaging and processing equipment accounts for 18% of overall costs, whereas Group 2’s only accounts for 5%. There are significant differences seen in the “photovoltaic” and “handling equipment” categories, with the latter accounting for 7% of Group 1’s total expenditure while Group 2’s is essentially nonexistent. The remaining costs show comparable ratios for the two groups.
3.2.3. Number of Cooperatives and Members
For group 1, it is noted that there are, on average, 16.5 cooperatives per EIG, ranging from 6 to 31. This is double group 2’s average of 8.25 cooperatives, with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 11 cooperatives.
In terms of membership, group 1 has an average of over 391 members ranging from 104 to 567, while group 2 has an average of 283 members per EIG, ranging from 260 to 315 (Table 1).
Figure 2. The layout of the packaging unit at the TAMAZEMOUTE EIG (Zagora zone).
3.3. Evolution of Date Stocks 2017 - 2020 and Supply Conditions
3.3.1. Group 1
The stored quantities of dates at the level of the investigated EIGs increased significantly in 2020, representing the second consecutive year of rise. They achieved an annual average of 851 tons, increasing 127% from 2019 and 477% from 2017 (Figure 3). According to an analysis conducted by EIG, between 2020 and 2019, storage at the Ternata station decreased somewhat, however, storage at the Aoufous station increased significantly to 1371 tons.
Table 1. Number of cooperatives and members.
|
Group 1 |
Group 2 |
Number of Cooperatives |
132 |
33 |
Average |
16,5 |
8,25 |
Min - Max |
6 - 31 |
6 - 11 |
Total Number of Members |
3130 |
1132 |
Average |
391 |
283 |
Min - Max |
104 - 567 |
260 - 315 |
In the meantime, the Boudnib EIG, which only has an annual tonnage of 400 tons, performed poorly. The following are the primary kinds kept in storage: Majhoul, Boufeggous, Jihel, Bouslikhan, and Bousthami. In terms of the kind of procurement, purchases made without contracts come first, then services rendered to outside parties, and finally, procurements from EIG members.
Figure 3. Cumulative stored quantities of dates for Group 1 (2017 - 2020), in tons.
3.3.2. Group 2
There is a significant discrepancy in the stored quantities at the group 2 level. One EIG unit has reportedly already entirely stopped operating. The primary causes mentioned, according to our informant, are problems with irrigation water and the palm grove’s lack of vibrancy. Two of the remaining EIG units are operating at a reasonably high level, having stored amounts of about 200 tons in 2020, and one unit is barely supplied at 18 tons (Figure 4). In this group, Jihel, Boufeggous, Bouzekri, and, to a lesser degree, Majhoul and Bousthami are the most preserved types. It originates only from EIG members in terms of procurement.
3.4. Diagnostic of Date Packaging Operations
The date packaging operations at the level of each studied EIG group consist of 9 steps.
3.4.1. Reception and Weighing of Dates
All EIGs control dates upon receipt. However, the criteria differ from one unit to another. Three EIGs use more than 3 control criteria, such as the case of EIG Rissani, which seems very demanding as it controls the variety, the percentage of impurities, the maturity stage, the health condition, and the water content. Others, such as EIG Tamezmoute and EIG Ouhmidi, rely on a single criterion, the health condition, and the possibility of storage.
Figure 4. Cumulative stored quantities of dates for Group 2 (2017 - 2020), in tons.
Except for one EIG that did not respond to the entire questionnaire and the non-functional EIG, the others all record and maintain traceability of the received dates. They note the date of entry, information about the supplier, variety, batch number, weight, and number of crates or cartons. Two units belonging to group 2 also add quality information, with one refusing to accept soft dates.
3.4.2. Insect Disinfestation
It should be noted that 10 EIGs operate these chambers. Others do not use them due to sealing problems or lack of necessary infrastructure.
3.4.3. Sorting
Sorting is applied by all EIGs, according to a 4-level classification: Extra (E), Class 1 (C1), Class 2 (C2), and Class 3 (C3). For some varieties, an additional indication of “with or without branches” is added. Almost all EIGs have a conveyor for sorting, except for one EIG that only has tables.
As for the destination of the sorting rejects, in 4 cases they are returned to the client, in 6 cases they are mainly destined for livestock feed, and in one case, they are offered to transformation cooperatives with a profit-sharing arrangement.
If we look at the tonnage sorted during an 8-hour workday coupled with the number of people mobilized, we observe a wide divergence among the EIGs (Figure 5).
3.4.4. Cleaning/Washing
Cleaning and washing of dates are carried out by 7 EIGs, all from group 1. They are performed taking into account the dirtiness of the dates, their water content, but also the nature of the variety, preferably when they are dry and semi-soft. For some varieties like Jihel, they are never washed because there is a risk of them turning black.
3.4.5. Drying (Dehydration)
Out of the 11 operational units, 5 utilize drying under different conditions. Three (3) have a high-capacity oven, one unit has an oven allowing drying of one ton, while another resorts to direct exposure to sunlight. The remainder, which does not use it, cites the high cost of this operation as the main reason.
3.4.6. Hydration
Six (6) units out of 11 treat the dates through hydration, mostly via a humidifier (electricity + diesel). However, one station applies the greenhouse type manually, while another uses a small oven with added water. Considering its cost, which reaches 1 dirham per kg, this operation mainly concerns the Majhoul variety.
3.4.7. Storage
Storage modalities take 3 main forms: crates, cardboard boxes, and bulk. Naturally, each EIG controls the temperature of its stock. However, only 4 EIGs additionally carry out individualization of the raw material. Moreover, this is done based on different criteria, either the variety of dates, whether organic or not, or even based on their belonging to a supplier or the EIG. The storage period is linked to the end of the month of Ramadan.
3.4.8. Soaking in Glucose Syrup
Only the Hannabo-Jorf EIG carries out glucose soaking. This process aims to enhance moisture retention, improve firmness, and extend the shelf life of the dates. The glucose syrup is specifically chosen due to its hygroscopic properties, effectively preventing dehydration while improving the texture and sweetness of the dates.
In terms of statistics, it specified that in 2019, it processed 6T of the Khalt variety and 5T of Bouslikhan at a rate of 300 to 400 kg per hour, which amounts to 2.5 to 3 hours per ton.
3.4.9. Packaging and Marketing Strategy
91% of dates are packaged in cardboard boxes and/or trays. However, the Tomour Wahat Aoufous EIG additionally provides packaging in plastic trays. As for the marketing strategy, some EIGs manage to secure contracts with large retailers like Marjane, Carrefour, or Aswak Assalam as well as with supermarkets in major cities. Markets and souks, mainly along the Casa-Rabat and Marrakech axis, are also among the locations for date marketing.
Figure 5. Number of people involved per tonnage sorted in each EIG for an 8-hour day.
3.5. Energy Consumption
The Drâa-Tafilalet region is a major center for producing and preserving dates, particularly the Majhoul and Boufeggous varieties. Refrigeration units in this area play a crucial role in preserving these dates. The energy consumption of these units is particularly high. The refrigeration systems that keep dates at temperatures between 0 and 4˚C for long periods require substantial energy. Moreover, the average storage capacity of these units, around 400 tons for most EIGs, further amplifies this energy demand.
Table 2. Energy consumption of EIG Toumour wahat aoufous in 2018.
Month |
Energy Consumed (KWh) |
Total
Energy (kWh) |
Cost
(Including Taxes Dhs) |
Peak |
Normal |
Off-peak |
January |
1272 |
2644 |
1942 |
5858 |
10,449 |
February |
1666 |
3219 |
2478 |
7363 |
12,218 |
March |
1927 |
4559 |
3405 |
9891 |
12,213 |
April |
2784 |
4625 |
3256 |
10,665 |
15,538 |
May |
2156 |
4745 |
3045 |
9955 |
15,042 |
June |
2176 |
5149 |
2808 |
10,133 |
16,025 |
July |
3088 |
6540 |
3691 |
13,319 |
19,205 |
August |
2338 |
5626 |
3174 |
11,138 |
16,074 |
September |
1854 |
4289 |
2732 |
8875 |
13,466 |
October |
1666 |
3219 |
2478 |
7363 |
13,600 |
November |
1666 |
3219 |
2478 |
7363 |
13,180 |
December |
1666 |
3219 |
2478 |
7363 |
13,200 |
Tot./Avg. |
24,259 |
51,053 |
33,974 |
109,286 |
170,209 |
Table 3. Real price of a kilogram of date stored in different packaging units in 2018.
Units |
Electric Bill (MAD) |
Quantity of Dates Stored (T/Year) |
Unit Price (MAD/kg) |
Toumour Aoufous |
170,209 |
239 |
0.71 |
Difat Ziz Erfoud |
200,716 |
146 |
1.38 |
Mergouna Rissani |
104,873 |
41.8 |
2.51 |
Wahat Guirr |
34,445 |
61 |
0.56 |
Ghris Ferkla |
83,522 |
69 |
1.21 |
Taking the Toumour wahat aoufous EIG as an example, Table 2 illustrates its energy consumption in 2018. It was equal to 109,286 kWh per year, with a total cost of 170,209 MAD/year (including taxes), resulting in an average unit price of 1.56 MAD/kWh. However, significant variations exist between units of the same size. This is due to the quantities of dates processed, which remain below the capacities of these refrigeration units.
Table 3 presents the unit price of one Kilogram of dates stored in each refrigeration unit. This price varies from unit to unit, depending mainly on storage capacity, the quantity of dates to be stored, and the number of operational refrigeration chambers. However, our survey revealed that all refrigeration units in the Drâa-Tafilalet region apply a similar unit price, not exceeding 0.35 MAD per kilogram of stored dates. As a result, these units reported balance sheet deficits, as the unit price calculated in Table 3 is significantly higher than the actual charged cost, which explains the observed financial losses.
Morocco’s oases have considerable solar potential, with 365 days of sunshine and an average irradiation of over 5 kW/h/m2/d. As part of the PAGIE project, and in order to reduce their energy consumption, 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, at an average cost of 900,000.00 MAD per unit. Each unit was equipped with 3 hybrid inverters, 64 batteries with a storage capacity of 150 kWh and a data acquisition system (Figure 6). This use of renewable energies led to a financial gain of around 200,000 dirhams/year/unit, while ensuring total coverage of the units’ energy consumption and avoiding the equivalent of 70.27 tons of CO2 per unit.
Figure 6. Schematic diagram of a hybrid photovoltaic system with storage.
4. Discussion
The diagnostic analysis of the studied packaging units reveals several noteworthy geographical and operational characteristics that influence their functionality and efficiency. Firstly, the geographic positioning of these units is significant, with all twelve units strategically located in areas not prone to flooding, devoid of standing water, and free from offensive smells. This geographical consideration is essential as it ensures a conducive environment for manufacturing operations, minimizing the risk of water damage and unpleasant odors that could compromise product quality [10]. Moreover, the majority of these units (67%) are situated away from residential areas, which reduces potential conflicts with local communities and mitigates noise and traffic disturbances.
In terms of infrastructure, the presence of 380V electrical currents in each unit facilitates a robust power supply, essential for operating modern packaging machinery efficiently [11]. Additionally, the design features such as gutters with inspection traps and appropriately angled floors demonstrate a proactive approach to liquid waste management, preventing stagnant water accumulation and facilitating easy cleaning processes [12]. Adequate ventilation systems further contribute to maintaining hygienic conditions by controlling dust, moisture, and heat levels within the units [13].
Furthermore, the high percentage of units (92%) connected to sanitation networks underscores a commitment to wastewater management and environmental sustainability [14]. Adherence to hygiene protocols, including stringent cleanliness standards for workers and equipment, along with pest control measures, reflects a dedication to maintaining product quality and safety [15]. The authorization by ONSSA and participation in training sessions facilitated by agricultural institutes highlight regulatory compliance and continuous professional development within the industry.
Regarding investment costs, the disparity between Group 1 and Group 2 reflects differences in storage capacities and operational requirements. Group 2’s lower construction expenses can be attributed to its smaller scale and possibly less complex infrastructure needs compared to Group 1. However, both groups allocate a significant portion of their budgets to infrastructure and basic equipment, emphasizing the importance of robust foundational elements in packaging unit operations.
The evolution of date stocks from 2017 to 2020 reveals significant fluctuations among EIGs, reflecting diverse factors shaping supply conditions. In Group 1, a substantial increase in stored quantities, highlighted by a 127% rise from 2019 and a remarkable 477% escalation from 2017, underscores evolving procurement and storage strategies. Spatial distribution within this group shows nuanced trends, with the Aoufous station experiencing a notable uptick while the Ternata station sees a slight decline, accentuating the complexity of supply dynamics. Meanwhile, Group 2 faces operational challenges, with one EIG unit ceasing operations due to irrigation and palm grove vitality issues, emphasizing the vulnerability of supply chains to environmental factors.
Diverse quality control standards among EIGs for receiving and weighing dates highlight varying priorities. While some, like Rissani, have comprehensive criteria covering variety, impurity, maturity, health, and water content, others, like Tamezmoute and Ouhmidi, focus solely on health conditions. This reflects tailored quality control measures in agricultural supply chains, as noted in studies [16].
Most EIGs maintain meticulous record-keeping, including entry date, supplier details, variety, batch number, weight, and packaging, aligning with supply chain best practices for transparency and accountability (Group 1). This echoes research emphasizing the role of traceability in ensuring product integrity and consumer trust [17].
The results regarding insect disinfestation and sorting processes in date processing operations offer insights into the diversity of practices and challenges faced within the industry. While 10 out of 11 EIGs operate insect disinfestation chambers, the absence of this practice in some EIGs due to sealing issues or infrastructural limitations highlights barriers to implementing standardized pest control measures (Group 1). This finding resonates with research by Rajendran [18], which emphasizes the importance of pest management strategies in preserving agricultural produce quality and minimizing post-harvest losses.
Sorting procedures, prevalent across all EIGs, demonstrate standardized classification into four levels, with additional specifications for certain varieties (Group 1). The variation in sorting reject disposal methods, including returning to the client, livestock feed, or transformation cooperatives, underscores the need for sustainable waste management practices within the processing chain (Group 1). This observation aligns with findings from studies on agricultural waste management [19], emphasizing the significance of efficient utilization of by-products to minimize environmental impact and enhance resource efficiency.
Furthermore, the wide divergence in tonnage sorted relative to workforce mobilization among EIGs underscores variations in operational efficiency and resource utilization (Group 1). This highlights the potential for operational optimization and standardization to improve productivity and reduce labor costs, as suggested by Taşkıner & Bilgen [19] in their study on agricultural supply chain resilience.
In contrast, utilizing drying and hydration processes by a subset of operational units reflects diverse approaches to product preservation and quality enhancement (Group 1). The cited reasons for not employing drying methods, such as cost constraints, echo findings from studies on cost-benefit analysis in agricultural processing [20], highlighting the economic considerations influencing processing decisions.
5. Conclusion
The established infrastructure serves as a means of valorizing Moroccan dates and improving the income of small-scale agriculture by bringing to market dates that meet quality standards, both for local and export markets. These packaging units have led to an enhancement in packaging quality to an acceptable level, as well as the creation of new jobs and opportunities for value-added products. The organization into EIGs presents an opportunity for the distribution of palm date production with a reasonable margin benefiting producers and the population of oasis areas. Despite their satisfactory technical level, compared to the average operational lifespan of units not exceeding 5 years, the existing activity volumes fall below the desired capacity to meet the demand for high-quality palm date varieties annually. Additionally, the mastery of operationalization and optimal utilization of equipment remains insufficient. Indeed, apart from cold rooms, over 50% of EIGs do not utilize the equipment provided for operations such as drying, humidification, date hydration, glucose soaking, fumigation, or date washing.