Morocco launches emergency plan for farmers and breeders

An emergency support plan for small-scale farmers and livestock breeders has been launched by the Moroccan government, according to the government friendly Hespress on May 1st. 

The initiative, announced by Agriculture Minister Ahmed Bouari in a written statement to Parliament, comes in response to the severe effects of the country’s prolonged drought. 

At the heart of the plan is a substantial campaign to distribute subsidised animal feed.

So far, approximately 12.3 million quintals of subsidised barley have been delivered to livestock breeders.

The Ministry of Agriculture aims to distribute a total of 18 million quintals as part of this effort. 

Currently, 2.4 million quintals are actively being distributed, with an additional 1 million quintals scheduled to follow shortly, Bouari stated. 

Cattle breeders are also receiving supplementary aid.

Around 4.9 million quintals of compound feed have already been distributed, as part of a larger procurement of 6 million quintals.

The total volume is expected to reach 8 million quintals in the coming months. 

“The rescue of livestock and support for the animal production chain are key pillars of this emergency programme,” Minister Bouari affirmed. 

In addition to feed distribution, the drought relief plan includes measures to improve access to drinking water for animals.

These efforts involve the establishment of water points, the acquisition of water tanks and cistern trucks, and coverage of their operating and maintenance costs. 

Beyond emergency aid, the government is also focusing on long-term resilience through a strategy the Ministry has branded as “solidarity farming”.

This emergency plan for the country’s farmers aims to rebuild the national herd and revitalise rural economies. 

Key components of these initiatives include restoring grazing areas, distributing forage seeds, constructing livestock fattening centres, developing rural water infrastructure, and promoting rural self-employment, particularly among youth and women. 

To ensure transparency and efficiency in implementation, the Ministry has established a simplified support mechanism that includes clear eligibility criteria, monitoring tools, and governance safeguards. 

Bouari also emphasised that local professional organisations are being engaged through a participatory approach to help design and execute these solidarity-based projects. 

 Hespress. Maghrebi