Eid al-Adha Preparations: 3 Million Sheep Ready for Ritual Sacrifice

As the Islamic world prepares for the sacred occasion of Eid al-Adha 1445/2024, Morocco has taken steps to ensure a robust supply of livestock to meet the anticipated demand. In a statement before the Chamber of Representatives on Monday, Mohamed Sadiki, the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, revealed that an impressive 3 million sheep and goats have been readied for ritual sacrifice, with identification procedures commencing on March 8th.

Addressing two oral questions concerning the livestock supply for Eid al-Adha, Sadiki shed light on the comprehensive preparations initiated in November 2023. This program included various measures, such as precise assessments of supply and demand forecasts for sacrificial animals, carried out in close coordination with industry professionals. Additionally, a staggering 214,000 sheep and goat breeding and fattening units destined for Eid al-Adha have been registered.

On the health front, the minister underscored the robust state of the livestock, highlighting the implementation of stringent measures to safeguard animal health. Rigorous surveillance and protection against infectious diseases, meticulous monitoring of animal feed, veterinary medications, and water sources used for watering, as well as controlled transportation of poultry manure through the issuance of prior authorizations and transit permits, have been diligently enforced.

Elaborating further, Sadiki outlined the preparation measures, which entailed the establishment and refurbishment of 34 temporary livestock markets to bolster existing facilities. Additionally, temporary and exceptional import authorizations have been granted to augment the supply of sacrificial animals, thus contributing to the preservation of the national herd while reducing import costs and stabilizing prices.

Furthermore, the minister reiterated the import-related measures, including the provision of a 500 Moroccan dirham per head subsidy for the import of sheep destined for slaughter, effective from March 15, 2024, until June 15, 2024. This initiative is complemented by the exemption of import duties and value-added tax on imported sheep.

As Morocco gears up for the sacred festival, these comprehensive preparations underscore the nation's unwavering commitment to ensuring an abundant supply of livestock, upholding religious traditions, and fostering a seamless celebratory experience for its citizens.