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Description
The rich biodiversity of the Mediterranean region offers great opportunities, particularly for Aromatic and Medicinal Plants (AMP). Morocco, as part of this eco-region, has been a traditional user and exporter of these valuable resources [1]. The cultivation and trade of AMP have deep cultural roots and economic importance for local communities [2]. For instance, the Moroccan AMP sector produces approximately 140,000 tons (T) annually, generating a revenue of around 1.2 billion dirhams and providing employment for over 500,000 people [3]. Among the 600 to 800 aromatic and medicinal species found in the kingdom, spearmint is among the most consumed and used AMP [4], [5. In Morocco, spearmint is grown in the green belts surrounding the country's major cities and in rural areas. It is grown on small areas of up to 4 ha. The total surface area is around 3,000 ha, spread over several areas of the country. The four regions known for spearmint production at national level are : Casablanca-Settat, Fès-Meknès, Marrakech-Safi and Souss-Massa. The know-how to produce quality spearmint and its valorization through the various technologies could be used to organize the mint sector in the Moroccan domestic market. Spearmint essential oils, in particular, are highly sought after for use in pharmaceuticals, confectionery, and aromatherapy, enjoying significant demand both nationally and internationally [7]. The objectives of this work were to update the data concerning the evolution of the indicators of the Moroccan spearmint value chain, namely area, production, valorization, exports and imports.
Morocco exported an average quantity of 10,407.00 tons of various mint species, with an average value of 21,000 MAD per ton. Specifically, between 2015 and 2019, the average quantity of green mint exported was 6,186.2 tons, with an average value of 132,625.08 million dirhams. Green mint is marketed in various forms: conventional fresh mint, organic fresh mint, and dried mint. Additionally, it is available in different shapes: broken mint (dried mint sprigs), mint bouquet (a bunch consisting of 10 to 12 branches), cut mint (branches cut into fragments), and powedered mint.
Since the spearmint sector is non-structured and informal, a national diagnostic was carried out to help promote it. The diagnosis was made by carrying out the surveys with the relevant sector stakeholders, in order to examine its socio-economic role, identifying the constraints and opportunities encountered and drawing up an action plan for the development of the sector. On the basis of the results obtained, we have concluded that the mint market is highly fluctuating, subject to the law of supply and demand, and tightly related to the nature of the product which is rapidly perishable and very sensitive to climatic changes.
Spearmint in Morocco is valued in several forms: 1) the fresh plant, widely used to flavor mint tea, 2) The dried plant in bulk or in the form of sachets, 3) The essential oil, which is generally used in perfumery, cosmetics and aromatherapy.
In conclusion, the use of these plants not only supports local economies but also preserves traditional knowledge and practices [2]. This with the ongoing interest and global demand for natural products further highlight the importance of conserving this biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices [6]. Continued research, innovative cultivation methods, and sustainable practices will be paramount in harnessing the full potential of the AMP sector generally and the mint sector particularly in Morocco and across the Mediterranean region.
