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Agriculture

Morocco Extends Support to Guatemalan Farmers Amid Food Crisis

Tuesday 21 May 2024 - 10:35

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In a heartening demonstration of international solidarity, Morocco has committed to donating 200 tons of fertilizer to aid Guatemalan farmers struggling with poverty and malnutrition. This initiative, launched during a ceremony in Totonicapán province, signifies the inaugural phase of a distribution plan anticipated to reach approximately 10,000 families across seven Guatemalan provinces.

The ceremonial event, jointly presided over by Moroccan Ambassador Tarik Louajri and Guatemalan Minister of Agriculture Maynor Estrada, underscored the burgeoning partnership between the two nations. Minister Estrada expressed profound gratitude for Morocco's generous gesture, remarking, "This donation provides significant support to our rural development efforts and aligns perfectly with the government's plan to combat poverty and malnutrition."

Totonicapán Governor Delfina Garcia underscored the pivotal role this donated fertilizer will play for many Guatemalan farmers, especially those engaged in subsistence agriculture. "This initiative transcends mere aid provision," Governor Garcia asserted. "It will not only alleviate the isolation faced by our province but also strongly bolster the government's endeavors to enhance agricultural production and achieve self-sufficiency."

Ambassador Louajri eloquently conveyed that the donation mirrors Morocco's steadfast commitment to food security, a cause championed by King Mohammed VI, as well as to South-South cooperation, a cornerstone of the Kingdom's foreign policy. Additionally, he reaffirmed Morocco's dedication to its ongoing collaboration with President Bernardo Arevalo's administration, highlighting both parties' shared determination for "the progress and prosperity of the friendly Guatemalan people."

The ceremony, attended by senior Guatemalan agricultural officials, Members of Parliament, and local representatives, symbolized a promising stride toward fortifying ties between Guatemala City and Rabat. Importantly, the Guatemalan government harbors high expectations that this burgeoning partnership will significantly alleviate the severe food crisis afflicting the country.

By bolstering Guatemala's agricultural production, the donated fertilizer could potentially lead to increased food availability and decreased food prices in the Central American nation. Consequently, the impact of the Moroccan donation could extend beyond the directly targeted families, benefiting an even broader segment of the Guatemalan population.

Ultimately, the success of this initial project could pave the way for further cooperation between Morocco and Guatemala in the agricultural sector, fostering knowledge exchange and the development of sustainable solutions to ensure food security for the region.