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Agriculture

Moroccan Government Unveils Strategy to Streamline Agricultural Supply Chain

Thursday 20 June 2024 - 13:55

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In a bold move to rein in the soaring prices of agricultural products and protect the purchasing power of Moroccan citizens, the government has unveiled a series of targeted measures aimed at revamping the marketing and distribution of fruits and vegetables. This strategic initiative comes in response to mounting public discontent over the rising cost of living and the challenges faced by farmers grappling with escalating input costs and an unrelenting drought.

The details of these interventions are outlined in a draft decree focused on promoting direct commercialization within agricultural aggregation initiatives, slated for discussion at an upcoming Council of Government chaired by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. This move underscores the government's determination to address the root causes of inflation and establish a more efficient and equitable agricultural market.

Recent parliamentary scrutiny has shed light on the stark realities plaguing the sector, with Agriculture Minister Mohammed Sadiki facing stringent criticism over unchecked price hikes. A report by a parliamentary mission reveals that a staggering 70% of agricultural products bypass traditional wholesale markets, with only 30% of the produce being traded through these channels. Alarmingly, the report highlights the substantial quantities of vegetables lost daily within the distribution circuit, exacerbating the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the marketing system to prevent such colossal waste and stabilize prices.

The parliamentary commission has also taken aim at the current management of agricultural markets, underscoring the absence of adequate refrigeration systems and the suboptimal location of these facilities as significant contributors to the loss of fresh produce. In this context, a comprehensive revision of the commercialization and distribution strategy is deemed essential to ensure market efficiency and safeguard the national agricultural sector.

The government's commitment to addressing this pressing issue extends beyond mere rhetoric, as evidenced by the forthcoming decree. By streamlining the supply chain and reducing the number of intermediaries, the authorities aim to establish a more direct connection between producers and consumers, fostering transparency and mitigating the inflationary pressures burdening households across the kingdom.

As the nation grapples with the twin challenges of drought and escalating costs, this strategic intervention holds the promise of restoring equilibrium to the agricultural market, shielding both farmers and consumers from the vagaries of price volatility. By leveraging the power of aggregation and fostering direct commercialization, the government seeks to forge a more resilient and equitable food system, one that prioritizes affordability while ensuring the long-term viability of Morocco's vital agricultural sector.