Water availability, shifting temperatures, and the search for new commercial opportunities are pushing Moroccan growers to rethink their crops. "Moroccan agriculture is in the middle of a transformation. Among the species gaining attention is dragon fruit, or pitaya," says Ferdaous El Barnossi of Smidcom, a Moroccan greenhouse company. She explains why pitaya is drawing interest from growers and how a protected structure should be designed around it.

A climbing cactus native to tropical America, pitaya differs from classic fruit crops. Its CAM photosynthesis is a notable advantage. "Unlike most cultivated plants, pitaya absorbs carbon dioxide mainly at night, which allows it to limit certain water losses," El Barnossi explains. "This adaptation is an advantage in a context of pressure on water resources." She adds that this does not mean it can grow without irrigation, as water remains important during growth, flowering and fruit sizing.

The published results she cites on yields are encouraging. "A greenhouse study in Turkey recorded average yields of about 4.4 to 7.2 tonnes per hectare, depending on irrigation, and its authors point to potentials of 20 to 30 tonnes for plantations at full capacity. In southern Spain, a trial with the Royal Red variety in intensive hydroponics under plastic reached close to 40 tonnes per hectare, with 10,000 plants per hectare and manual pollination. This result is interesting, but it corresponds to a very particular intensive system." For a first economic study, she suggests modeling 10, 20 and 30 tonnes per hectare at established production.

© Smidcom

European interest in exotic fruit justifies the investment according to El Barnossi. "A 2026 CBI analysis puts European pitaya imports at roughly 14,000 to 15,000 tonnes in 2024, with France and the Netherlands among the markets with established exotic fruit channels. Morocco's proximity to Europe, fruit quality and capacity for regular supply are the arguments a Moroccan grower could build on. In southern Spain, harvests run from late June to December on some farms, and from July to November in intensive hydroponic systems, which gives a first benchmark for Mediterranean-type regions."

For Smidcom, the ideal production structure starts from the plant. "A protective structure should not be seen as standard equipment superficially adapted to a new crop," El Barnossi says. "It must be designed according to the plant's requirements, the site's climate and the real operating conditions."

• Architecture: Tunnels are a simple option, particularly for trials or smaller farms, but their climate depends on width, height, and vent layout. Multi-span houses suit large areas, with easier aisles and equipment, but need careful airflow design, since wide houses can develop temperature differences between the edges and the center. Net structures can modulate sunlight while keeping strong air exchange with the outside.
• Heat and ventilation: Pitaya likes warmth, but not every kind. Some scientific observations indicate that summer temperatures close to 38°C can disturb flower induction. Natural ventilation is preferred, and side and roof openings, height, and wind exposure all play a part, as do the nets on the vents, which resist airflow. A taller house offers more air volume but does not guarantee a satisfactory temperature on its own.
• Cover: The goal is light that supports photosynthesis while limiting excess exposure. Diffusing plastic films spread radiation more evenly, and shade nets are another option. The shading percentage given by a manufacturer is not enough on its own, since net color, optical properties, and local climate all matter. A main cover combined with seasonal or adjustable shading is also possible.
• Strength: Wind is one of the key parameters. It is not enough to choose a tube diameter or spacing by referring to an existing installation. Sizing must cover the metal members, overall stability, buckling, deformation, connections, bracing, and load transfer to the ground. EN 13031-1 is among the technical references for commercial production greenhouses. Designs should be tailored to each project's own constraints rather than apply a standard configuration.
• Trellising: The trellis must carry stems and fruit that grow heavier every year, in a layout that allows work in good conditions, including night-time pollination. Options include individual posts with top supports, T-systems and continuous trellises. Where the trellis is tied to the greenhouse frame, the loads must be calculated. An independent trellis often makes maintenance and replacement easier.
• Durability: On the coast, salt accelerates corrosion. Inland, temperature swings, wind, and dust stress materials. Foundations depend on soil bearing capacity, and a geotechnical survey reduces uncertainty. The best choice will not necessarily be the most sophisticated structure. It will be the one that brings a real improvement in growing conditions, at a cost compatible with the project's economic objectives.

El Barnossi adds: "In Morocco, coastal areas with moderate temperatures are promising for pitaya trials. We have identified the surroundings of El Jadida and Azemmour, where pitaya production is already commercial and new experimental initiatives were reported in 2026. Parts of the Loukkos and Gharb, and favorable zones of the Souss, are areas to investigate, although not confirmed commercial zones."

"Our recommended path is a pilot unit comparing open field, net structures and plastic greenhouses, tracking climate, water use, flowering, yields and commercial quality, alongside talks with specialized importers on sizes, presentation and volumes," she concludes.

For more information:
Ferdaous El Barnossi
Smidcom
Tel: +212 661-459107
Email: [email protected]