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Agriculture

A Bountiful Eid Al-Adha: Ensuring Ample Supply for the Sacrificial Ritual

Wednesday 05 June 2024 - 07:55

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During a detailed briefing at the House of Counselors in Rabat, Mohamed Sadiki, the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forestry, unveiled comprehensive preparations for the forthcoming Eid Al-Adha celebrations. His remarks highlighted the meticulous measures undertaken to ensure an abundant supply of livestock, rigorous health monitoring, and robust logistical arrangements.

Sadiki revealed that a staggering 5.8 million heads of sheep and goats have been identified to date, including 158,000 imported animals, affirming that the supply substantially exceeds the anticipated demand. This reassurance comes in the wake of a 2% decline in the sheep population compared to the previous year, with 20.3 million heads, and a 4% decrease in the goat population, which stood at 5.4 million.

Underscoring the ministry's commitment to transparency, Sadiki disclosed that 214,000 breeding and fattening units for sheep and goats destined for the Eid Al-Adha sacrifice have been registered. A precise evaluation, conducted in collaboration with industry professionals, forecasts a total supply of 7.8 million heads, comprising 6.8 million sheep and 1 million goats, surpassing the estimated demand of approximately 6 million heads, including 5.4 million sheep and 600,000 goats.

Addressing concerns regarding animal health, the minister affirmed the implementation of stringent surveillance and monitoring operations, coupled with robust measures to safeguard against infectious diseases. He confidently stated that the overall health condition of the national herd is satisfactory.

Turning to the oversight of animal feed and veterinary medicines, Sadiki disclosed that as of May 31st, 1,486 inspections had been carried out, resulting in the issuance of 6 legal reports forwarded to the Public Prosecutor's Office. These include 4 reports for the illegal sale of veterinary drugs in Jerada, Khemisset, Marrakech, and Kasba Tadla, as well as two reports for the seizure of 51 tons of substandard animal feed in Beni Mellal and Taroudant. The minister affirmed that inspections would continue until the day of Eid.

On the logistical front, Sadiki highlighted the establishment and preparation of 34 temporary livestock markets nationwide, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, local authorities, and territorial communities. These facilities aim to bolster the existing infrastructure and facilitate the sale of livestock.

Concluding his remarks, the minister emphasized the significance of Eid Al-Adha as an "annual event of paramount importance for our country and its livestock breeders, as well as an occasion that generates more than 14 billion dirhams for the rural economy."