Latest news with #AhmedBouari
Morocco World
22-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Launches MAD 6.2 Billion National Program to Restore Livestock Sector
Rabat – Morocco's Minister of Agriculture, Ahmed Bouari, announced on Thursday the launch of a new national program aimed at rebuilding the country's livestock sector and supporting farmers affected by persistent drought and climate fluctuations. The plan allocates MAD 3 billion ($300 million) in funding through the end of 2025, with an additional MAD 3.2 billion ($320 million) earmarked for 2026. The latter will be provided as direct financial support to livestock breeders committed to preserving reproductive females. Speaking at a press briefing following Thursday's Government Council meeting, Minister Bouari emphasized that the initiative aligns with royal directives and is a direct response to the harsh impact of irregular rainfall and prolonged drought on agriculture and pasturelands. The program is built around five main pillars and will be implemented through local committees under clearly defined criteria. The first pillar focuses on relieving livestock farmers of debt. Approximately 50,000 farmers will benefit from debt relief measures worth MAD 700 million ($70 million). These include a 50% cancellation of both principal and interest for debts under MAD 100,000 ($10,000), which covers 75% of the beneficiaries, a 25% cancellation for debts between MAD 100,000 and MAD 200,000 ($10,000–$20,000) covering 11% of the beneficiaries, and the restructuring of larger debts over MAD 200,000 ($20,000+) with a waiver on late penalties. The second pillar allocates MAD 2.5 billion ($250 million) to support livestock feed . This includes subsidies of MAD 1.5 ($0.15) per kilogram for barley (covering 7 million quintals) and MAD 2 ($0.20) per kilogram for mixed feed designated for sheep and goats. The third component targets the preservation of reproductive females. Over 8 million ewes and goats are set to be identified by May 2026. Farmers will receive direct financial aid of MAD 400 ($40) per identified and non-slaughtered female. A fourth pillar involves a nationwide animal health campaign. With a budget of MAD 150 million ($15 million), the campaign will vaccinate and treat 17 million heads of livestock against drought-related diseases. The final pillar focuses on technical support and genetic improvement. MAD 50 million ($5 million) will be allocated to training and assisting breeders in enhancing herd quality. Minister Bouari described the program as a strategic step to address the economic and climate challenges facing Morocco's livestock sector, and called for collective efforts to ensure its success. Tags: Eid Al Adhalivestocklivestock in Morocco
Morocco World
05-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Agricultural Turnaround: Morocco Sees 41% Boost in Cereal Yields
Rabat – Morocco enters a more hopeful agricultural season as cereal production is expected to reach 44 million quintals, up by 41% compared to last year. The announcement came on Monday from Minister of Agriculture Ahmed Bouari during a parliamentary session. After a difficult previous season, the sector appears to be regaining momentum. Bouari told members of parliament that the agricultural growth rate should stand at 5.1% this year, a significant turnaround from last season's 4% decline. Rainfall patterns began to improve in March. Recorded rainfall reached 295 millimeters by the end of April. While this figure was still 20% below the norm, it was 15% higher than last year's levels. The increase contributed to better dam reserves. Water storage for agricultural purposes reached 5.31 billion cubic meters, compared to 4.38 billion last season. The overall dam filling rate now stands at 38%. Efforts to prepare for the season included the sale of nearly 740,000 quintals of certified seeds, a 10% increase from the previous year. Authorities also subsidized 1.3 million quintals of nitrogen fertilizers, benefiting 78,000 farmers. Insurance coverage extended to 661,000 hectares of cereal crops, legumes, and oilseeds. Read also: Kazakhstan Ships 60,000 Tons of Wheat to Morocco via Baltic Route Farmers sowed a total of 3.11 million hectares with major autumn crops. About 2.6 million hectares were planted with cereals, while forage crops covered 400,000 hectares and legumes 100,000. Only 10% of the total area was irrigated. As for spring crops, planted land reached 158,000 hectares. Maize took up the largest share with 47%, followed by chickpeas at 35%, sunflowers at 13%, and dry beans at 5%. Sugar crop cultivation also advanced. This season saw over 35,000 hectares dedicated to sugar beet and 1,155 hectares planted with sugarcane. The vegetable program moved forward steadily. Farmers completed 91% of the autumn vegetable plan, covering approximately 97,000 hectares. Winter vegetables covered 65,000 hectares, reaching about 90% of the targeted area. This year's indicators offer cautious optimism for Moroccan agriculture after a period of drought and uncertainty. Tags: agriculturecerealMorocco agricultureMorocco Droughtwheat
Morocco World
14-03-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Paraguay Plans First Cattle Export to Morocco
Rabat – Paraguay is preparing to ship cattle to Morocco for the first time, focusing mainly on livestock for breeding and dairy production. Paraguayan agricultural industry experts are now working out the logistics. Following interest from Morocco, Turkiye, and countries in East Africa, Paraguay is preparing to introduce its livestock to the Moroccan market, according to the country's newspaper Economy . This new cattle shipment from Paraguay comes to mitigate challenges Morocco is facing in its beef supply. The country has been experiencing a big drop in livestock, due to ongoing drought and lack of resources. Minister of Agriculture Ahmed Bouari said in February that the national herd has shrunk by 38% since 2016. According to the Paraguayan Association of Meat Producers and Exporters (Appec), as reported by local media, an initial shipment of 2,500 head of cattle is being planned. The Spanish-language newspaper Economy reports these will be males weighing between 200 and 300 kilograms. Appec President Ramiro Maluff pointed out Paraguay had previous experience in exporting cattle when it traded livestock with neighboring countries like Brazil and Argentina, but this marks their first venture into a market outside the Americas. In an interview with local ABC Color newspaper, Maluff mentioned that 'the journey to Morocco is much longer.' 'We have asked Paraguay's Official Veterinary Service to consult with their counterparts in Argentina and Uruguay.' However, shipping to this part of the world is not completely uncharted territory. A recent report indicated that Paraguay already exports approximately 4,500 tons of beef to the North African country. Paraguayan exports reached $1.777 billion in 2024, representing a 17.9% increase from 2023 ($1.506 billion) and a 3.2% rise compared to 2022, according to official data from the National Animal Quality and Health Service (Senacsa). Paraguay favors extensive livestock farming, a method recognized for animal welfare and environmental protection. This type of farming features low animal density per hectare, thanks to vast spaces and abundant natural resources in water and pastures. The country has developed strong, recognized expertise in livestock breeding. Paraguayan cattle breeding is particularly diverse, with breeds such as Charolais, Braford, and Angus — whose meat is considered a premium product. Paraguayan cattle adapt well to the local climate and are known for being robust, resistant, fertile, and low-maintenance. Tags: Cattle in MoroccoMorocco livestockParaguay cattle
Morocco World
21-02-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
38% of Moroccans Consume Fish Once Per Week
Doha – A new joint survey by the news outlet L'Economiste and the marketing firm Sunergia reveals that 38% of Moroccans consume fish once per week, while 30% report eating fish multiple times weekly. The study, published today, shows that 19% of respondents consume fish twice monthly, 4% eat fish less than once per month, and another 4% don't consume fish at all. The survey also unearths divided perceptions regarding fish availability in Morocco. While 34% of Moroccans believe fish is becoming more available compared to previous years, 35% report decreased availability. Women in particular note improved availability at 38%. Age-wise, 43% of those aged 55-64 and 39% of 18-24-year-olds report declining availability. Regional differences show that northern and eastern Morocco experience better availability at 42%. Why doesn't Morocco's fish reach Moroccan tables? In a parliamentary session on January 21, Agriculture Minister Ahmed Bouari faced strong criticism over fish prices and availability. The minister attributed declining fish populations to drought conditions, a claim that contrasts sharply with export data. Official statistics show Morocco's fishing sector recorded exports worth MAD 31 billion ($3.1 billion) in 2023, with a harvest of 847,000 tons. The sector invested MAD 930 million in operations and maintains over 126,000 direct jobs. European trade figures further challenge the minister's drought explanation. Morocco dominates EU sardine imports among non-EU countries, commanding 93% of imports. Fish exports to the EU reached €1.61 billion in 2022. Spanish imports alone surged 40% since 2018, increasing from 91.6 million kilograms to 130.3 million kilograms. Meanwhile, domestic consumers face steep prices, with sardines – traditionally considered 'the poor man's fish' – now costing up to MAD 20 ($2) per kilogram in local markets. This comes despite Morocco's advantageous geography with two seas and 3,500 kilometers of coastline. The price disparity between wholesale and retail markets is astronomical, with sardines sometimes selling for MAD 3 per kilogram at wholesale but reaching MAD 20 in retail markets. Market intermediaries, known locally as 'Chnnaqa,' control fish distribution and add unjustified costs at each distribution stage, significantly inflating prices without effective oversight. These middlemen often purchase large quantities from wholesale markets, creating artificial supply shortages and price increases. One parliament member strongly criticized the minister during the session, fuming: 'You've buried the poorest Moroccans with these prices. Have some respect for their intelligence. Shame on you!' This came as red meat prices exceeded MAD 120 ($12) per kilogram, while poultry ranged from MAD 25 to 30 ($2.50 to $3). Read also: Morocco Honored with Fisheries Leadership at Mediterranean Commission Tags: Consumer SurveyFish Market & Consumptionfood prices
Morocco World
16-02-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Paraguay Set Sight on Morocco's Beef Market, Seeks to Double Exports
Paraguay is among the countries that aim to double down its exports of beef to the Moroccan market. Mecro Press reported on Saturday that operators from the Paraguay meat shipments sector met with local buyers from Morocco, looking forward to sealing further deals to secure more meat exports to the North African kingdom. Paraguay exports approximately 4,500 tons of beef to Morocco, with a primary goal to double the number in the coming year, the report added. Morocco has been importing meat from different markets to meet local demand due to drought that directly impacts the country's agriculture seasons for six years in a row. Minister of Agriculture Ahmed Bouari said Morocco is facing a big drop in livestock numbers, with the national herd shrinking by 38% since 2016. Morocco used to slaughter 230,000 cattle, but the number is now down to 150,000. To tackle the situation, the country turned to importing cattle or meat from different markets, including Romania and Argentina. Converging reports further suggest Morocco is also considering to soon start importing sheep from Australia to ready itself for Eid al Adha. Morocco's import bill stood at MAD 4.8 billion, showing an 83% increase from the same period in 2023. By the end of November last year, Morocco's livestock imports grew to 110,000 tonnes without the value-added tax (VAT) and customs duties, compared to 60,000 in 2023. During the last Eid al-Adha, Morocco shipped in around 600,000 sheep destined for sacrifice from Spain and Romania.
