le M’naguer fait son apparition sur les étals des marchands de fruits et légumes
Summary of the Early Harvest of M’naguer Dates in Ghardaïa
In early July, the first early-season dates known as M’naguer have appeared in the markets of Ghardaïa, drawing attention from local shoppers and merchants. These specific dates, harvested primarily from the Tidikelt region—which includes In-Salah, In-Ghar, and Aoulef—are sold at prices ranging between 700 to 800 DA per kilogram, depending on their flavor and size.
The harvesting process for M’naguer dates is physically demanding, often taking several days to complete. It requires skilled climbers who carefully pick the dates in the mornings or late afternoons, navigating through different palms and clusters of fruit. Merchant M. Bahous explains that the maturation of this sweet, golden-hued date has been delayed this year, attributed to the mild climate experienced in Tidikelt during May. He also pointed out a shortage of young laborers skilled in date harvesting, which complicates the collection process.
Bahous further noted the visible impacts of climate change on the dates themselves; their skins show signs of wrinkling and damage due to environmental stress. This fragility makes the early M’naguer variety particularly vulnerable to climate fluctuations, which can quickly lead to spoilage.
Despite the challenges, the arrival of M’naguer dates brings a significant boost to local commerce. Merchants and resellers see great potential for profit from this highly sought-after fruit, especially as it attracts crowds of eager consumers during the summer season. The dates are typically packaged in cardboard boxes that are commonly used for baked goods, generating excitement among shoppers who purchase even small quantities as a festive treat for the season, symbolizing hopes for a sweet and prosperous harvest.
In conclusion, the first M’naguer dates of the season not only signify the onset of a busy commercial period in Ghardaïa but also reflect broader issues such as labor shortages and the effects of climate change on agriculture. As consumers flock to the markets for these prized dates, they embody a combination of tradition, economic significance, and environmental consciousness.
