Editing Melilla (section)

=== Primary sector ===
Melilla has a small territory, much of which is occupied by urban land, and a significant portion belongs to the [[Ministry of Defence (Spain)|Ministry of Defence]]. This limits the development and use of land, which is essential for the [[primary sector]] and other economic activities. Land management must balance urban, defense, and productive interests.

==== Agriculture and livestock ====
Until the 1980s, [[livestock]] and [[agriculture]] were key sectors of Melilla’s economy, with orchards covering over a third of the territory, producing vegetables, cereals, and animal products that were even exported to mainland Spain. The creation of the “State Agricultural Farm” was essential to local agricultural development. However, from the 1980s onward, urbanization and water scarcity led to the decline of these sectors. Despite efforts to revive agriculture through a 1994 “Irrigation Plan,” the activity faded and is now limited to small-scale subsistence farming.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.planestrategicomelilla.net/f14_01.htm|title=Ciudad Autónoma de Melilla|access-date=2025-04-11|website=www.planestrategicomelilla.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://elfarodemelilla.es/el-gobierno-anuncia-la-compra-de-villa-pilar-para-su-recuperacion-agricola-y-medioambiental/|title=El Gobierno anuncia la compra de Villa Pilar para su recuperación agrícola y medioambiental - El Faro de Melilla|access-date=2025-04-13|date=2025-03-17|language=es}}</ref>

==== Fishing ====
[[File:Dársena del puerto de Melilla.jpg|left|thumb|Fishing dock of Melilla]]

[[Fishing]] in Melilla has been significant since ancient times, peaking in the early 20th century. In 1907, the San Luis cannery boosted exports, especially of sardines. From 1914 onward, Andalusian fishing boats arrived for the “Winter Campaign,” increasing production.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://melillahoy.es/melilla-cuando-era-conocida-como-la-amrica-chica/|title=Melilla, cuando era conocida como "La América Chica" - MelillaHoy|access-date=2025-04-11|last=Mohamed|first=Farid|date=2020-08-13|language=es}}</ref>

The most common species were [[sardine]]s, [[tuna]] and [[seafood]], much of which was exported to other countries. The fleet was modernized through motorization, with over 100 boats operating by 1930.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://elfarodemelilla.es/la-darsena-pesquera-de-melilla-un-pasado-un-presente-y-un-futuro-prometedor/|title=La Dársena Pesquera de Melilla: Un pasado, un presente y un futuro prometedor - El Faro de Melilla|access-date=2025-04-11|date=2024-05-11|language=es}}</ref>

More modern fishing facilities were built over the years, such as [[fish markets]] in 1916 and 1921. The [[canning]] and [[Salting (food)|salting]] industries, including San Luis, provided jobs for many locals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://elfarodemelilla.es/la-pesca-uno-de-los-sectores-mas-olvidados-de-toda-melilla/|title=La pesca, uno de los sectores más olvidados de toda Melilla|access-date=2025-04-11|date=2022-10-25|language=es}}</ref>

However, from the 1980s, the sector began to decline due to overfishing and regulatory restrictions, despite the founding of the Fishermen's Guild in 1945.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.elpueblodeceuta.com/200808/20080811/200808116102.html|title=elpueblodeceuta.com|access-date=2025-04-11|website=www.elpueblodeceuta.com}}</ref>

==== Mining ====

===== Melilla–San Juan de las Minas railway line =====
The Melilla–San Juan de las Minas railway line, inaugurated in 1914, was vital to Melilla’s economy by enabling the transport of iron ore from the [[Rif]] region to its port. Operated by the Compañía Española de Minas del Rif, it boosted industrial activity, port trade, and infrastructure investment. Its profitability declined after the [[independence of Morocco]] and the rise of road transport, leading to its closure in 1972. It was one of Melilla’s economic drivers in the 20th century.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spanishrailway.com/ferrocarril-de-la-compana-espanola-de-minas-del-rif-protectorado-de-marruecos/|title=Spanish Railway » Blog Archive » Ferrocarril de la Compañía Española de Minas del Rif – Protectorado de Marruecos|access-date=2025-04-13|language=es}}</ref>[[File:Vista_desde_Melilla_la_Vieja.jpg|thumb|Melilla from [[Melilla la Vieja]]]]