Diagnosis of the current Moroccan cumin seeds, related production issues and recommended actions for its development

Abstract

Cumin is a high-potential crop with great demand all over the world. Consequently, its cultivation is expanding rapidly worldwide, including in Morocco, where it is increasingly grown as an alternative cash crop, particularly in oases. The selection of high-performance genotypes adapted to oases and the initiation of local seed production are among the main goals of the INRA1-ORMVATF2 agreement for the development and promotion of cumin in Alnif cercle. Therefore, a preliminary survey was conducted among 69 farmers in Morocco to assess seed diversity, potential yields, and associated cultivation techniques. Cumin is primarily cultivated in three regions: Marrakech-Safi, Draâ-Tafilalet, and Oriental. Cumin cultivation is mostly associated with the rain-fed system (28%) in the Marrakech-Safi region, while in other regions, it is conducted under drip irrigation (23%) and gravity-fed irrigation (49%). Farmers employ various fertilizers and phytosanitary products, reflecting different levels of agricultural knowledge and practices. According to farmers, yields vary significantly, ranging from 0.5 to 11.5 q/ha, with an average of 3.7±2.4 q/ha across Morocco. The yield average is 3.0 q/ha in the rain-fed system, slightly lower than the 4.1 q/ha recorded in irrigated systems. Farmers in Marrakech-Safi rely on local seeds, whereas farmers in other regions, use a mixture of non-certified seeds from several countries. Sowing is generally performed along rows or through broadcasting. Seed rates range from 3 to 41 kg/ha, exceeding the internationally recommended doses. The study revealed significant morphological differences between local and imported seeds. The local seeds were highly pilose, whereas the imported seeds were glabrous, scabrid, or slightly pubescent. Thus, the cultivation of cumin in Morocco warrants increased attention to enhance productivity and sustain its development.