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Agriculture

Eid al-Adha Triumph: A Tiflet Herder's Tale of Resilience and Innovation

Thursday 06 June 2024 - 14:20

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As the joyous occasion of Eid al-Adha approaches, the story of a herder from the Tiflet region stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of those who make their living from the land. Despite the challenges posed by this year's drought, which forced him to reduce his flock from an impressive 1,500 heads last year to a mere 300, this seasoned herder has emerged victorious, successfully selling every last one of his prized livestock.

Saïd Moussadikine, a renowned cattle breeder from the commune of Aït Ouahi, located 20 kilometers northeast of Tiflet, has built a reputation for his exceptional ovine herds, comprising the esteemed Sardi and Bergui breeds. In a candid interview, he reflected on the impact of the drought on his operations, lamenting the necessity of downsizing his flock due to the soaring cost of animal feed.

"Before, my flock numbered around 1,500 heads annually," Moussadikine shared. "But this year, because of the rising prices of animal feed, I had to reduce it to only 300 sheep, which I swiftly sold to clients in Casablanca."

Despite the challenges, Moussadikine's farm remains a hub of activity, housing the "sold merchandise" until the eve of Eid, when eager buyers will arrive to claim their purchases. Remarkably, the herder managed to sell his entire stock solely through the power of technology, conducting transactions over the phone and via WhatsApp with his trusted clientele.

The prices commanded for his prized sheep range from an impressive 4,000 to 10,000 dirhams, with the five rams fetching the latter sum of 10,000 dirhams each. However, Moussadikine clarified that these rams are not intended for the Eid al-Adha sacrifice but rather for breeding purposes, referring to them as "sire rams."

Moussadikine's triumph serves as a heartening reminder of the resilience and resourcefulness of those who work tirelessly to provide for the cherished traditions of Eid al-Adha. His adoption of modern communication channels to facilitate sales underscores the adaptability required to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

The Moroccan government, too, has recognized the significance of this occasion, with Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, and Water and Forests, Mohamed Sadiki, announcing that the livestock dedicated to Eid al-Adha totals an impressive 6 million heads, comprising 5.6 million sheep and 300,000 goats, all in excellent health. "The supply is abundantly sufficient for Eid," the minister emphasized, quantifying Morocco's total livestock population at approximately 20 million heads, encompassing sheep, cattle, camels, and goats.

As the nation prepares to celebrate this sacred festival, the story of Saïd Moussadikine serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the indomitable spirit that thrives within those who work tirelessly to uphold cherished traditions while embracing the opportunities presented by modern innovations.