By Loubna Flah
By Loubna Flah
Morocco World News
Casablanca, October 10, 2012
The prices of livestock are expected to rise sharply as the Eid draws near. Ahmed Ouyash, the president of the Moroccan Confederation for Agriculture and Rural Development warned consumers of an unprecedented increase in sheep prices by 10 percent compared to last year’s prices.
According to the Moroccan daily Al Massa, the steep rise in livestock prices is ascribed to poor agriculture productivity. The output of Moroccan agriculture was significantly affected by low rainfall, which led to a steady rise in the prices of fodder used to feed domesticated livestock, especially sheep, goats and cattle.
Mr. Ouayash told Al Massae that the prices of fodder, especially corn and soya, increased by 30 percent. As result of this fluctuation in fodder prices, the cost of livestock grooming hiked affecting the prices of meat.
Ouyash expects a sharp increase in livestock prices by three to four Dirhams for the Kg. He adds that sheep prices were expected to rise even more. Nevertheless, the latest rainfall could alleviate partially the burden of farmers by making fodder cheaper and more available.
It is of note that the prices of “Sardi” one of the most sought after sheep species is likely to reach MAD 55 per Kg. Likewise, the prices of “Bargi” is expected to reach MAD 50 per Kg.
The ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries announced that the offer for Eid Al Adha reached 7,5 million sheep, asserting that the amount of offer is largely sufficient to meet the high demand for livestock on this special occasion.
The demand for sheep is estimated to 4,8 million sheep.
The ministry of agriculture and Fisheries comforted consumers that sheep supply for this year could be secured thanks to the efforts exerted by farmers, sector professionals as well as the subsidies and support granted by the ministry under the campaign “Saving the Cattle” launched in 2012.
The ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries asserted that the cattle health condition is good thanks to the vaccination operations and the medical care provided by the veterinary department working under the National Office for Food Security.
The demand for livestock usually reaches record levels ahead of Eid AL Adha.
The prices of other commodities like chicken, fish, vegetables and fruits tend to hike.
Many consumers stock food products to face any food shortage, especially that many shops remain closed two weeks after the Eid.
