A new production line dedicated to seaweed processing and agar-agar production was inaugurated by Setexam in Kenitra on Wednesday. The project, which represents an investment of 60 million dirhams, was launched in the presence of Zakia Driouich, Secretary of State for Maritime Fisheries. The initiative aims to provide an innovative solution to reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides. «This unit is the only one in Morocco to produce agar-agar», Driouich said, highlighting that the Kingdom ranks third globally in agar-agar production, following China and Spain. Agar-agar finds applications across the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. Emphasizing the technological advancements at the facility, Driouich noted that the unit will produce foliar fertilizers for organic agriculture, effectively eliminating the need for chemical pesticides. This marks a significant step forward in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Rachid Lebbar, Director of Setexam, underscored the critical role of agar-agar, particularly in antibiotic production. «Agar-agar is a high-quality product that is sold on international markets and across all continents», he remarked, indicating the global demand for this versatile substance. The expansion of the plant is expected to bolster the region's industrial fabric, creating 300 on-site jobs and providing livelihoods for 10,000 seaweed harvesters. Setexam is recognized as a global leader in agar-agar production, with established markets in Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.
