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Rabat – Mohammed Sadiki, Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, led two pivotal meetings on Tuesday in Rabat, centered around the red meat and dairy industries.
The discussions focused on the pressing need to support these sectors and boost food sovereignty amid the country’s persistent drought challenges.
During the meetings, stakeholders reached a consensus on various strategies to maintain progress in these areas.
In a statement to MAP, Sadiki said he spotlighted the importance of working with federations and professional associations to evaluate and analyze the current condition of these sectors.
He stressed the need for measures to guarantee that the national market is consistently supplied with red meat and dairy products and to facilitate the importation of essential raw materials needed to sustain the industry.
The meetings also saw the participation of the President of the Supervisory Board of Crédit Agricole du Maroc, industry professionals, representatives from regional agricultural chambers, and senior officials from the ministry.
Read Also: Morocco’s Agriculture Sees 6.2% Increase in Value Added Despite Adverse Climate
Important measures involve ongoing support for livestock feed for cattle and sheep, importing animal feed, and the development of new livestock regulations.
Other plans focus on creating resilient forage crops such as sorghum, regulating artificial insemination, and enhancing the importation and sale of seeds. The strategy also aims to increase the production of high-yield mixed breeds and safeguard female livestock.
Mustapha El Khouli, President of the National Association of Red Meat Producers (ANPVR), commended the successful collaboration between the ministry and industry professionals that has led to strong beef, lamb, and goat meat production. He also pointed out that enhancements in feed quality have subsequently improved the meat quality.
Rachid El Khattate, President of the Dairy Sector Interprofessional Federation (Maroc Lait), reiterated his federation’s commitment to actively collecting milk from all sector participants to ensure an adequate supply.
Meanwhile, Abderrahmane Majdoubi, President of the National Association of Sheep and Goat Farmers (ANOC), discussed the primary challenges faced by sheep and goat farmers and red meat professionals due to the drought. He lauded the ministry for its efforts to support these crucial sectors during difficult periods.
Further extensive discussions covered national livestock conditions, meat prices, import issues, and proposed support measures to safeguard these industries and maintain a steady supply of red meat and dairy products to the national market.
The ministry, together with its services and institutions, remains dedicated to assisting professionals in maintaining a stable market supply and achieving the development objectives of these sectors under the Generation Green strategy.
In July, Sadiki emphasized the significant efforts his ministry is making to enhance Morocco’s food sovereignty.
During a seminar organized by the National Rally of Independents (RNI) in Fez, he highlighted key actions the government is implementing to increase agricultural investment, especially given the unique challenges brought by the COVID-19 crisis.
The minister also discussed the crucial contribution of academia in developing effective agricultural policies, underscoring the importance of university professors in crafting informed and impactful strategies.
