Implementation of a drip irrigation system coupled with automatic fertilizer dosing.

In order to meet the growing expectations of its customers and align with environmental standards, Emmanuel Prim, an SME specializing in the production and export of fruits and vegetables, has taken the initiative to improve its irrigation network.

With an operation covering approximately 26 hectares dedicated to its agricultural activities, the company sought the assistance of the Green Value Chain team to invest in a drip irrigation system and an automatic fertilizer dosing system.

In open field cultivation, tomato production yields 80 tons per hectare, whereas with the use of these next-generation greenhouses, yields can reach up to 300 tons per hectare. This also minimizes water losses estimated at 86,400 cubic meters due to reduced evaporation caused by sunlight and wind.

This project generates significant energy savings through the adoption of efficient pumps equipped with variable speed drives. This optimization results in a savings of 468 MWh of electricity, leading to a 25% reduction compared to conventional pumps.

Regarding fertilizer usage, the precision of automation leads to a 20% decrease. These improvements also result in a reduction of 271 metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions per year, thereby reinforcing the positive environmental impact of the project.

Green Value Chain (GVC) in Morocco is a credit facility of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development(EBRD) to provide funding to local partner financial institutions for on-lending to Moroccan SMEs belonging to agribusiness, processing industries and logistics value chains and ecosystems. Supported by the European Union, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Korean Technical Assistance and Cooperation Account (KTACA) and the EBRD Shareholder Special Fund (EBRD SSF), the facility aims to improve competitiveness of SMEs and that of their value chains and ecosystems through highly efficient green investments.