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Rabat — Morocco’s Agriculture Minister Ahmed Bouari announced that the government has transferred MAD 1.45 billion ($145 million) directly to more than 352,000 livestock farmers in just five days, marking a major shift in how the country distributes agricultural subsidies.
The minister shared these figures during a Tuesday session at the House of Representatives, where lawmakers examined his ministry’s 2026 budget. He revealed that between November 5 and 10, farmers received support for animal feed and the first installment of aid designed to help preserve female sheep and goats.
A new system replaces decades of inequality
The new direct payment system represents a dramatic departure from past practices. Bouari explained that the government previously distributed aid through bags of animal feed or barley, spending about MAD 1 billion ($107 million) annually. That old system created widespread inequalities — some farmers received more than their fair share while others got less.
The ministry has now processed 715,000 farmer applications through the support fund. Sixty percent have already received text messages confirming their eligibility, and the government has credited 488,000 bank accounts with payments.
“We achieved in five days what used to take an entire year,” Bouari said, noting the efficiency of direct transfers over physical distribution.
The new approach relies on precise registration of farmers and their livestock, which enables direct and transparent targeting. “Ninety percent of beneficiaries are small-scale farmers, whether in the mountains or the plains,” Bouari noted, calling it “unprecedented governance” in aid distribution.
Seventh year of drought forces difficult choices
Morocco faces mounting water challenges as it enters its seventh consecutive year of drought. Several reservoirs have dried up alarmingly, forcing the government to redirect water reserves to human consumption in major cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, and Settat.
“There can be no agriculture without water,” Bouari said. He acknowledged that the country has fallen behind on drinking water investments. Agriculture currently uses only 420 million cubic meters of water for irrigation — barely 8% of the estimated 5 billion cubic meters the sector needs.
The water crisis has already reshaped Morocco’s agricultural landscape. Citrus growers have uprooted approximately 35,000 hectares of trees in recent years because irrigated areas lack water. Despite these losses, Bouari projects citrus production will increase 55% this year across 125,000 cultivated hectares.
Markets remain supplied despite challenges
The minister stressed that national markets have stayed well-stocked thanks to gains from the Green Morocco Plan. He expects the country to produce 2 million tons of olives this year, which will eliminate the need for imports.
Looking ahead, Bouari reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to seawater desalination programs, which he considers essential for the country’s water and food security. “We work within a coherent government framework, with a vision extending to 2050,” he said. “Those who don’t control their food don’t control their decisions.”
