Improvement of agricultural productivity and optimization of water and energy use
Loukkos Farm is a Moroccan agricultural company specialized in the production and export of red fruits. Established in 2017 and located in the Tangier–Tetouan–Al Hoceima region, the farm benefits from favorable climatic conditions and access to water resources, operating an agricultural area of approximately 20 hectares dedicated to high-value crops.
Prior to the project, blueberries were cultivated in open fields, a method that limited productivity and led to significant water losses. This traditional approach constrained the farm’s ability to scale up production while meeting increasing market demand, and resulted in suboptimal use of both water and energy resources.
In order to enhance productivity and improve resource efficiency, Loukkos Farm invested in the expansion of its blueberry cultivation over 5 hectares using greenhouse-based production. The project involved the installation of modern greenhouse structures, ground covers, shading systems, and a solar-powered drip irrigation system, enabling a more controlled and efficient agricultural environment.
The new production system significantly improved water management by reducing evaporation losses and optimizing soil moisture retention. As a result, annual water consumption decreased by 56,945 m³, while maintaining optimal growing conditions for the crop.
The investment also led to a substantial increase in agricultural productivity. Yields rose from approximately 11 tons per hectare under open-field conditions to up to 24 tons per hectare in greenhouses, effectively doubling output while maintaining similar water inputs per hectare.
In addition to water efficiency gains, the project delivered strong energy performance. Reduced water pumping requirements led to an annual energy saving of 91 MWh, representing a 72.5% reduction compared to traditional outdoor farming practices. The remaining energy needs are covered by a solar-powered irrigation system, which generates approximately 44.28 MWh per year, further enhancing the sustainability of the operation.
Overall, the project has significantly reduced the farm’s environmental footprint, avoiding approximately 81 tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions annually. This demonstrates the potential of modern agricultural technologies to simultaneously improve productivity, optimize resource use, and reduce environmental impact.
Through this investment, Loukkos Farm illustrates how agricultural producers can adopt innovative solutions to strengthen their competitiveness, increase resilience to resource constraints, and align with sustainable production practices. The project stands as a replicable model for efficient and climate-smart agriculture in Morocco.
Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF) in Morocco is a green economy financing program, implemented by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), will provide financing to Moroccan private enterprises through local financial institution partners. Supported by the European Union (EU), the Green Climate Fund (GCF). It will enable local companies to invest in green technologies, reduce their costs through climate adaptation measures, energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.
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