Empowering Azilal Through Carob Cultivation and Beekeeping

Saturday 23 December 2023 - 14:15

Agriculture Minister Mohammed Sadiki recently visited Azilal Province to assess the progress made under Morocco's Generation Green strategy and to launch new development initiatives.

Azilal's Provincial Agricultural Plan strategically aligns programming to capitalize on the region's natural and human resources. The total investment surpasses 1.3 billion dirhams, spanning across carob production, beekeeping, and more.

During a visit to a processing facility in Aït Attab, the Minister inaugurated a 13 million dirham carob valorization unit. This facility, catering to 14 cooperatives, aims to add value to 2,000 tons of carob annually, producing seeds, paste, and roasted powder.

In Foum Jemaa, Sadiki inspected an 8 million dirham beekeeping aggregation project. Bringing together 62 apiarists and 7,500 hives, the project aims to yield over 135 tons of honey each year through a newly established 150-ton processing plant.

The launch of a flagship 37 million dirham "solidarity agriculture" venture in Sidi Yaakoub marked another milestone. The project involves planting 500 hectares of carob and 20,000 grafted trees. Additional activities will focus on developing 70 hectares of saffron and constructing 20km of irrigation channels.

Through integrated initiatives that promote versatile crops like carob, Azilal is fostering sustainable rural development and self-employment, aligning with Generation Green's socioeconomic goals. With visionary leadership championing such strategic opportunities, the province is well-positioned to unlock its agricultural potential and achieve prosperity