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Rabat – Minister of Agriculture, Mohamed Sadiki, on Friday, stressed the considerable efforts his ministry is undertaking to boost Morocco’s food sovereignty.
Speaking at a seminar hosted by the National Rally of Independents (RNI) in Fez, Sadiki focused on important measures the government has taken to expand investment in agriculture, particularly in light of the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis.
Sadiki outlined strategies to address inflation and resuscitate citizens’ purchasing power as key priorities.
The minister elaborated on the number of actions Morocco has taken to adapt the agricultural sector with evolving environmental conditions in response to the challenges of climate change.
Despite unforeseen obstacles, he asserted that the government continues to pursue its pre-established programs while adjusting strategies to the fluctuating circumstances to reach its long-term goals.
This adaptability is key for ensuring resilience and sustainability in Morocco’s agricultural sector, the minister, explained.
According to a 2019 report from the Ministry of Finance, agriculture plays a crucial economic and social role in Morocco, representing around 38% of national employment, and approximately 74% in rural areas.
As of 2024, agriculture is no longer the largest employing sector. However, it continues to hold the second-largest share of the labor force at 30%.
Read Also: Morocco’s Agriculture Sees 6.2% Increase in Value Added Despite Adverse Climate
The minister equally addressed the important role academia plays in supporting quality policies for agriculture. He spotlighted the significance of university professors in shaping well-informed and impactful policies.
In addition, he expressed the urgent need for qualitative higher education, citing its focal role in the country’s progress.
He mentioned planned investments in the higher education sector under the Fez-Meknes Regional Development Plan (PDR) 2022-2027, with a total budget of MAD 30 billion ($3 billion).
In line with the country’s strategy to boost national education, the government invested nearly MAD 2 billion ($200 billion) to modernize university infrastructure, establish new centers of excellence, and strengthen research and innovation in the region.
This includes a budget of MAD 40 million ($4 million) dedicated to scientific research and the establishment of specialized institutes in artificial intelligence in the cities of Fez, Meknes, and Taza.
Other initiatives include the opening of a National School of Commerce and Management (ENCG) in Meknes, the establishment of the first school dedicated to agri-food industry techniques, and the creation of a dental faculty in Meknes.
