Strategic Coordination for Market Stability
On Monday, Ahmad Bouari, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests, addressed the House of Representatives, emphasizing the ministry's commitment to revising distribution chains in collaboration with relevant partners. His comments came in response to a question regarding preparations for the upcoming Eid al-Adha celebrations. Bouari highlighted the ministry's objective to strike a balance between the interests of livestock breeders and the purchasing power of consumers, thus ensuring fair pricing and availability of livestock.
Ensuring a Healthy Supply of Livestock
According to Minister Bouari, the ministry is actively implementing a comprehensive program designed to secure the national market's supply of sheep and goats under favorable conditions. This includes monitoring the health status of the national herd and reinforcing oversight measures. He reported that the national supply of sheep and goats designated for Eid al-Adha this year is estimated at 9 million heads, which should comfortably meet the anticipated demand of between 6 and 7 million heads.
In terms of health and safety measures for Eid al-Adha, Bouari referenced a joint circular issued by the Ministries of Interior and Agriculture in January 2024, aimed at enhancing the monitoring of feed and materials used in the feeding of sacrificial animals. He also mentioned the establishment of temporary markets for selling these animals. To date, approximately 162,000 livestock farms have been registered for breeding and fattening sheep and goats for Eid al-Adha, under the supervision of the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA). The veterinary services have confirmed that the health status of the herd is good and free from infectious diseases.
Moreover, the minister noted ongoing efforts to monitor the quality of feed, water, and veterinary medicines utilized, alongside stringent restrictions on the transportation of poultry waste, which require prior approval from veterinary services to prevent any illegal use. ONSSA has conducted around 3,300 field inspections, during which samples were taken and analyzed. Additionally, inspections carried out under joint committees formed with local authorities and the Royal Gendarmerie have resulted in the issuance of 10 violation reports.
Regarding market organization, the ministry has established 43 temporary markets in urban areas to bolster sales points, contributing to a total of 573 livestock markets nationwide. Out of these, 454 have been equipped by local authorities, while 76 sales points are located in major markets, alongside direct sales from breeders. The national herd has benefited from a royal program aimed at herd reconstitution, combined with improved climatic conditions and seasonal births in spring and autumn, enabling it to regain balance in a record time. Bouari concluded by reaffirming the ministry's ongoing commitment to ensuring the successful conduct of this significant occasion in close cooperation with all stakeholders involved.
As reported by agadirinfo.ma.
