Baitas defends Morocco Green Plan, blames livestock decline on drought and other crises

Government spokesman, Mustapha Baitas,  rejected on Thursday accusations that the Morocco Green Plan directly contributed to the depletion of the national livestock, dismissing these claims as judgments and lies used for political gain.

Speaking at a press conference following the government council meeting, Baitas defended the Plan, stressing that “it’s a well-executed strategy that has successfully achieved its intended goals.”

He mentioned that seven consecutive years of drought, the economic impact of COVID-19, and disruptions in global supply chains have all taken a toll on the agricultural sector.

The Minister also noted that water reserves in the country’s dams are critically low, but the government has made significant efforts under the National Program for Drinking and Irrigation Water, overseen by King Mohammed VI.

Baitas stressed that we cannot discuss this issue as if we were in normal circumstances, explaining, “facts must be placed in their proper context, and conclusions should be drawn realistically and objectively.”

The Minister emphasized that agriculture cannot thrive without water, stating that science has yet to discover a way to farm without it. He added that “spreading misinformation about the agricultural situation serves only political agendas.”

He urged against politicizing the issue, emphasizing that this is about crucial strategies for the national economy, people’s daily lives, and the essential balance we all aim to uphold.

“These issues require calm, realistic, and objective decision-making,” said Baitas.

Regarding the suspension of this year’s Eid al-Adha celebration, the government spokesperson said that “this decision will ease the burden on Moroccan citizens and positively impact livestock, both this year and in the years ahead.

He noted that the country has endured the combined effects of economic and climate challenges for seven consecutive years, leading to a significant decline in the livestock population. “According to the 2024 census, the national herd has shrunk by 38% compared to 2016.”

Over the years, the government has taken several measures to support livestock production, including providing guidance and animal feed, he added.

Government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas also addressed the case of Marrakeshi fish vendor, which has sparked a major media storm.

Baitas stated that he has been following the young man’s case and emphasized, “this aligns with the government’s approach as well—to mobilize all available efforts, including market monitoring committees.”

He further stressed that these committees operate year-round, not just seasonally, and play a crucial role in maintaining the necessary balance between supply and demand.

Baitas also reaffirmed that Moroccan-Egyptian relations are strong and exceptional at all levels, built on genuine brotherhood, solidarity, and coordination.

He highlighted the active and promising economic and trade partnership between Morocco and Egypt, reinforced by multiple bilateral, regional, and international agreements.

“It is natural for issues to arise occasionally in the implementation of these agreements. However, both nations have established mechanisms to address and resolve such issues in a spirit of mutual understanding and brotherhood,” said the Minister.

He also announced that a joint meeting will take place this evening, bringing together Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour, Secretary of State in charge of Trade Omar Hajji, and Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade.

This comes in response to media reports suggesting that Morocco has blocked Egyptian goods from entering its markets amid escalating trade tensions.

The ban, in place for weeks, stems from Egypt’s alleged failure to fully implement the Agadir Agreement, a free trade pact that includes Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, and Jordan.