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Taroudant – Morocco is the world leader in the production of sardines, said Wednesday in Al Hoceima, Aziz Akhannouch, the Minister of Agriculture and Marine Fisheries.
Speaking at the first edition of “Festival of Sardine”, celebrated from August 27 to 31 simultaneously in five beaches of the kingdom (Al Hoceima, Martil, Agadir-Taghazout, Dakhla and Mehdia), Aziz Akhannouch said that Morocco is the world leader in the production of sardines, “with nearly 57% of national fish production.”
The minister said that Morocco currently has seven wholesale markets, 22 ports of fish, 22 halls and units for industrial fish.
The Minister proudly hailed the achievements of Morocco in this area, noting that “sardines have always occupied a special place in the eating habits of Moroccans in terms of their nutritional value and the price that is at the reach of all segments of society.”
However, the consumer associations across the kingdom said the opposite.
“I’m sorry, but we are still very far from what Morocco should be in terms of the consumption of sardines,” said Abdelkader Terfai, president of the association Alfath for consumer protection, as quoted by Yabiladi.
For Abdelkader Terfai, what the minister said is only valid for coastal cities and not for all the regions of the kingdom.
“Inside the country, people do not have this habit of sardine consumption, because sardines are rare on the market. If found, their prices are unaffordable and inaccessible for the average Moroccans,” he said.
Held simultaneously in five beaches of the kingdom, the Sardine Festival aims to promote local consumption of fresh sardines and to highlight its value as a flagship for the national fish production, as well as to raise awareness about the benefits their benefit for health.
