Struggles of Sheep Breeders Amidst Price Surge
As the festive occasion of Aïd Al-Adha approaches, the cost of sheep has become a pressing concern for many families in Morocco. Moustapha, a sheep breeder present at the Médiouna market, reveals that finding a sheep priced at 2,500 dirhams for sacrifice purposes has become increasingly difficult this year. Many buyers are opting for smaller animals that they intend to raise for next year instead. The rising prices have left many feeling the strain as they prepare for this significant holiday.
According to industry professionals, the prices for sheep vary based on breed, weight, and quality. Currently, prices range from 4,000 to 4,300 dirhams, with certain breeds like the Sardi being sold around 4,000 dirhams. On the other hand, the Bergui breed typically ranges between 3,500 and 4,200 dirhams. For average-sized Sardi sheep, prices usually fall between 4,000 and 5,200 dirhams, while larger animals can command prices as high as 8,000 dirhams, depending on the buyer's budget and demand. Other younger sheep can be bought for about 3,000 dirhams, but these are generally not intended for immediate sacrifice; instead, they are purchased for fattening and future use.
Economic Pressures and Consumer Sentiment
With buyers expressing dissatisfaction over the steep prices, breeders attribute the hike to rising production costs, particularly concerning livestock feed. The prices of barley, corn, beans, and compounded feed significantly impact their expenses. Mohammed, another breeder, explains that, contrary to popular belief, sheep cannot solely survive on pasture. Although recent rains have improved grazing conditions, the overall costs remain high, preventing a noticeable drop in prices.
Many breeders dismiss the notion of excessive profit margins, arguing that the current prices reflect the true costs involved in sheep farming and the ongoing expenses throughout the year. They insist that selling at a loss is not an option, as they rely on these animals for their livelihood. The increased costs have made it virtually impossible for those with limited budgets to find a sheep suitable for sacrifice. A breeder notes that with 2,500 dirhams, one cannot purchase a sheep intended for Aïd anymore, as they are buying lambs for similar prices to raise for the following year instead.
In response to boycotts and consumer slogans like "Let it Bleat," breeders argue that the real issue lies in speculation and intermediary markets rather than the farmers themselves. These campaigns, they claim, unfairly penalize producers who are already struggling due to rising costs. Abdelhak, a sheep farmer at the Médiouna market, asserts that the situation primarily benefits speculators and that recent years have not been profitable due to fluctuating market conditions. He calls for constructive dialogue to address the difficulties faced by the sector rather than resorting to antagonistic slogans.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
