Rabat – The latest expected levels of precipitation are set to increase Morocco’s agricultural harvest and livestock production in 2022, said Government Spokesperson Mustapha Baitas.
“We cannot reach the bumper harvest of last year, but this year’s harvest will be important,” indicated Baitas in a March 31 press conference following the government’s weekly cabinet meeting.
After fears of the worst drought season in more than three decades, Moroccan farmers have expressed distress regarding predictions of a continued lack of rainfall. Yet, the latest precipitation recorded across the country has restored hope in the current agricultural campaign.
Baitas’ comments echoed the March 29 statement of Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Mohamed Sadiki. The minister confirmed that the precipitation recorded in March has exceeded the past 30 years’ average, noting the “immediate” impact of precipitation on crops.
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Additionally, the cabinet reviewed two draft laws on training and structuring the tourism tour-guide sector and restructuring the national institute of arts. The ministers also discussed the situation of Moroccan students repatriated from Ukraine.
Moroccan students repatriated from Ukraine
Baitas said that the Moroccan government will adopt “important” measures to address the situation of Moroccan students returning from Ukraine.
While details on the intervention were not shared, the government expressed a sense of urgency in tackling this case to enable students to resume their studies.
Upon their arrival, the government urged the repatriated students to register on a state platform to obtain information on their studies and degrees.
Some of the evacuated students have resumed online courses, reaffirmed the spokesperson as Ukrainians continue to face ongoing Russian military incursions.
Reform of tour guide sector
Led by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, the government council approved draft decree 19-22 revising law 5-12 on the organization of the tour guide profession.
Minister of Tourism Fatim-Zahra Ammor introduced a draft law that aims to create job opportunities for Moroccan youth and integrate tour-guide professionals from the informal sector into the national economy.
The adopted law extends the term of law 5-12 until March 7, 2024. The extension aims to integrate skilled tour-guide professionals into the formal sector without completing the required 2-8 year training period.
The integration of tour guides professionals in the formal market responds to the growing demand in the tourism market for accredited tour guides. Morocco reopened its airspace on February 7, leading to a renewed gradual flow of visitors to the country.
While the new law addresses the informality of the tourism sector, professionals still have to pass exams to receive accreditations. In this context, illiterate but qualified tour guides will not benefit from this initiative.
As Mohammed, an accredited tour guide for natural spaces told MWN in February, illiteracy is one of the obstacles to the training and institutionalization of tour guides in the country.
Restructuring the National Institute of Fine Arts
Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour presented today on behalf of the Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication Mohammed Bensaid draft decree 2.22.224 on the restructuring of the National Institute of Fine Arts (INBA) in Tetouan.
The text lays out the institute’s proposed new administrative structure with respect to the higher education system. It also defines the training duration and the content of courses, as well as the admission criteria and evaluation of students and faculty members.
