Latest news with #ElBouari
Morocco World
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco Supports Over 500,000 Small-Scale Farmers with Subsidized Feed
Rabat – More than half a million livestock farmers across Morocco, mostly smallholders, now count among the beneficiaries of a state-backed effort to ease the burden of feed costs. Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari announced the figures before the House of Representatives on Monday, addressing the mounting pressures small-scale herders face amid shifting weather conditions and market instability. The subsidized feed program, rolled out in response to recurrent droughts, reaches a significant number of farmers who also rely on the government's free veterinary campaigns. El Bouari reported that close to 17 million sheep and goats received vaccinations in recent drives, part of broader efforts to maintain animal health and protect rural livelihoods. He also noted that nearly three-quarters of the Agricultural Development Fund's direct aid and incentives support small-scale farms. The fund, often seen as the engine behind Morocco's rural resilience, channels resources to those with limited land and low livestock numbers. El Bouari also talked about plans for a national program set to launch in the 2025–2026 season. Designed as an integrated and long-term response, the initiative will center on solidarity-based agriculture, with the state fully financing animal production projects. Authorities hope to reverse the decline in livestock numbers and help herders rebuild their flocks over the next few years. At the heart of these efforts is the 'Generation Green' strategy, which the minister described as a roadmap tailored for small and medium-scale farmers. According to ministry data, 80% of Moroccan herders own fewer than 30 head of sheep or goats, a reality the strategy seeks to address through targeted support, infrastructure, and access to resources. In February, Morocco officially announced the cancellation of the Eid Al Adha sacrifice, citing the ongoing drought and related difficulties that have severely affected the country's agricultural seasons and overall economy over the past six years.
Morocco World
03-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Dakhla Seawater Desalination Plant Boosts Sustainable Agriculture and Economy
Rabat — Morocco's Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari spoke of the importance of the Dakhla seawater desalination plant during his visit to the region on Friday. The minister described the project as innovative, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive. While creating a strong agricultural hub with significant economic impact for the region and the country, the plant is set to run entirely on wind energy and protect the groundwater. On the socioeconomic impact, the project will contribute to generating job opportunities for the young people in the region. 'This project will create over 25,000 permanent jobs,' El Bouari said. During the visit to check the advancement of agricultural and fishing-related development projects in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, the minister said the plant also aims to 'strengthen the region's water and food security.' The desalination plant is expected to produce 37 million cubic meters of water annually, the minister said. Of these, he noted that 30 million cubic meters will be targeted at irrigating 5,200 hectares of farmland, while 7 million cubic meters will supply drinking water to Dakhla city and the future Atlantic port. The government allocated the public-private partnership a total investment of MAD 2.6 billion (around $260 million). It includes a 60-megawatt wind farm to ensure a sustainable energy supply. The initiative will equip 219 farms, with 100 allocated to young farmers from the region, helping to develop the land and establish a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs. Read also: Desalination Efforts: Agricultural Water Reserves in Morocco Reach 26% El Bouari also visited two commercial facilities being modernized in partnership with the Dakhla municipality, namely the wholesale market and the local fruit and vegetable market. These upgrades aim to improve distribution networks and health standards, with the wholesale market already 90% complete. In the fishing sector, El Bouari and the secretary of state in charge of sea fishing Zakia Driouch toured a seafood processing facility that is 95% complete. With a capacity of 140 tons per day, this MAD 127 million ($13.707) project will create about 500 direct and indirect jobs. 'Dakhla is now establishing itself as a national hub for seafood product development, with a growing industrial ecosystem,' said Driouch. She noted that byproducts from processing are also used to produce fish oil and meal, following a circular economy approach. The officials also visited an integrated project focused on small pelagic fish. This program plans to create six industrial units in Dakhla with a budget of MAD 1.16 billion ($125,202), generating 4,378 jobs. It also aims to increase locally processed resources and strengthen high-value industries. At the headquarters of the South Atlantic Maritime Fisheries Chamber, the minister and secretary launched a program to distribute radio beacons to artisanal fishing boats operating on the southern Atlantic coast. Funded by the Maritime Fishing department with MAD 20.6 million ($2,232), this program will equip 6,183 boats, including 3,207 in Dakhla, to improve safety at sea and working conditions for fishermen. The visit and follow-up of the development project in Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region reflects Morocco's commitment to developing southern provinces so they meet international standards and contribute to the country's role as a gateway to Africa. Tags: Dakhla desalination plantDesalination PlantMorocco
Maroc
24-04-2025
- Business
- Maroc
Morocco's AAA Initiative Seen as Key to Boosting Africa's Climate-Resilient Farming
Morocco's AAA Initiative (Adaptation of African Agriculture), launched by HM King Mohammed VI, is an ambitious continental effort to enhance agricultural resilience in the face of climate change, Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari said on Wednesday. Speaking at the 5th Annual Ministerial Conference of the AAA Initiative during the International Agricultural Show in Morocco (SIAM), El Bouari said the platform brings together governments, researchers, and development partners behind a common vision for adaptation. 'Without strong action, Africa risks losing up to 25% of its agricultural production by 2050,' he warned. The initiative has already launched several partnerships, notably with the International Platform on Adaptation Metrics (IPAM), which supports the implementation of climate adaptation frameworks outlined at COP28 in Dubai and the upcoming COP29 in Belém, El Bouari said. He also highlighted the Agricultural Investment Project Incubator (APIA), developed with the African Adaptation Initiative, which aims to mobilize $780 million to fund sustainable agriculture projects across the continent. The AAA Initiative, he noted, has built its presence through increased scientific publications, regional collaboration, and participation in global forums, solidifying its role as a leading African platform for climate-resilient agriculture. Held under the theme 'Agroforestry and Climate Resilience,' the ministerial conference brought together African agriculture ministers, financial institutions, researchers, and development agencies to outline strategic directions for the sector's adaptation to climate challenges. (MAP: 23 April 2025)
Ya Biladi
22-04-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's cereal production to surge by 41% in promising 2024-2025 season
Initial forecasts indicate that cereal production for the 2024-2025 agricultural season is expected to reach 44 million quintals, reflecting a 41% increase compared to the previous season, announced Ahmed El Bouari, the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, on Tuesday in Meknès. «The current agricultural season looks promising on all fronts. After a challenging start, March and early April saw significant rainfall, which has had a very positive impact on the agricultural situation across the Kingdom», El Bouari stated during the opening of a high-level international conference, held in conjunction with the 17th edition of the International Agriculture Fair in Morocco (SIAM), which runs until April 27 in Meknès. In this context, the minister highlighted that the condition of autumn cereal vegetation cover has significantly improved, contributing to higher yields, especially in favorable regions. With the improvement in spring crops, the recovery of livestock following recent rains, and strong performance in most other agricultural activities, the growth of the agricultural sector is projected at 5.1%, compared to a contraction of -4.8% in the previous season. SIAM 2025, which features 1,500 exhibitors from 70 countries, is organized under the theme «Agriculture and the Rural World: Water at the Heart of Sustainable Development». Serving as a key platform for agricultural policies, the fair is an essential opportunity to promote exchanges, strengthen international partnerships, and highlight concrete solutions to the challenges facing the agricultural sector.
Morocco World
22-04-2025
- Climate
- Morocco World
Morocco's Farming Season ‘Promising' as Rain Boosts Crops and Livestock
Meknes – Morocco's farming season is 'promising by all standards' after recent rainfall and grain harvest are expected to jump by 41%, to reach 44 million quintals, says Morocco's Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari. Speaking at the high-level talk on farming and water during the 17th International Agricultural Fair in Meknes (SIAM), El Bouari explained that March and early April brought much-needed rain. 'It had a very positive impact on the agricultural situation in various regions of the Kingdom despite a difficult start to the season,' he said. That rain has helped crops grow better and given a real boost to farmers. 'The vegetative cover of autumn cereals has greatly improved, especially in the best-suited areas,' the minister added. El Bouari also pointed out that the rain has helped grass grow back. This will help with raising the herd count, a key goal after years of drought. 'This will support the royal message urging citizens to refrain from the Eid ritual slaughter this year, allowing national herds to reproduce and gradually return to pre-2020 levels,' he said. The ministry is also putting together a full support plan to help herders and improve livestock production. 'We are preparing an integrated programme to support breeders and increase national herd productivity, a necessity to achieve food security in this field,' explained Bouari. The rain hasn't just helped the land and livestock, it's also improved the country's water situation. 'The blessed rains of this season have contributed to a tangible improvement in the water situation, which bodes well for a bold irrigation programme this summer,' he said. The government will roll out a new irrigation plan soon, working closely with the Ministry of Water. At the same talk, Bouari reminded everyone that Morocco has faced its longest drought in recent years. 'Our country has experienced, over the last seven years, the longest drought period marked by a severe rainfall deficit, which negatively affected the agricultural sector and rural economy,' he said. But thanks to early planning and investment under the Green Morocco Plan, the country kept farms running and markets stocked. 'We will continue to implement the Green Generation strategy, prioritizing human development and adapting agriculture to national and international changes,' El Bouri said. A big part of the plan is using water more wisely. The goal is to get more farms using water-saving drip systems, boosting coverage from 54% now to over 70% by 2030. 'We are confident that ensuring irrigation water supplies, in line with the royal directives, will enhance our country's resilience to climate change and preserve our competitiveness in global markets,' he said. El Bouari added that 'His Majesty has instructed us to ensure drinking water for all citizens and cover at least 80% of irrigation needs across the country, whatever the circumstances.' Wrapping up, El Bouari said the goal is clear: 'To steer discussions toward concrete and realistic proposals to align water and agriculture policies, bolster irrigation efforts, and reduce the agricultural sector's vulnerability to climate change.' Tags: farmingMoroccoSIAM 2025Water irrigation program
