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Urgent call to action for Morocco's beekeeping industry amid crisis
The beekeeping sector in Morocco is facing a critical juncture due to the ongoing decline in bee populations across the country. Several factors contribute to this alarming situation, including persistent drought, the spread of diseases, and the extensive use of pesticides. In light of this crisis, there are increasing calls for urgent government intervention to prevent the gradual disappearance of this vital industry.
In this context, Deputy Mehdi El Fatmi has urged the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests to implement concrete measures to halt the decline of bee populations. He highlighted the impact of climate change and the excessive use of agrochemicals, questioning the existence of support programs for beekeepers to tackle the economic and climatic challenges affecting honey production. The parliamentarian also called for the promotion of ecological agriculture, which respects biodiversity and protects bees.
Bees play a fundamental role in ecosystems and agriculture by ensuring the pollination of plants and enhancing agricultural yields. However, beekeepers are increasingly confronted with a troubling decrease in colonies, jeopardizing the future of the beekeeping sector and, by extension, Moroccan agriculture as a whole.
This decline is particularly attributed to the misuse of pesticides, especially neonicotinoids, which are known to poison bees and affect their nervous systems. Additionally, the effects of climate disruptions—such as rising temperatures and prolonged drought—reduce natural food sources for bees, threatening their survival and reproductive capacity.
It is also important to note that beekeepers face rising production costs, especially concerning feeding and caring for bees during periods of drought or insufficient flowering. These difficulties inevitably impact the national honey production, leading to higher prices and lower quality in the market.
