Government unveils major support plan for farmers, livestock breeders amid drought

Morocco’s government has launched a large-scale emergency plan to support small-scale farmers and livestock breeders reeling from the effects of a prolonged drought, Agriculture Minister Ahmed Bouari announced in a written statement to Parliament.

Central to the response is a substantial animal feed distribution campaign. The Ministry of Agriculture has already delivered approximately 12.3 million quintals of subsidized barley to livestock breeders, with plans to distribute a total of 18 million quintals.

An additional 2.4 million quintals are currently being distributed, and another 1 million will follow soon, Bouari said.

Cattle breeders are receiving additional aid. About 4.9 million quintals of compound feed have been distributed as part of a broader purchase of 6 million quintals. The Ministry intends to increase the total supply to 8 million quintals in the coming months.

“The rescue of livestock and support for the animal production chain are key pillars of this emergency program,” Bouari stated.

The drought-relief plan also includes measures to improve access to drinking water for animals. These efforts involve establishing water points, acquiring water tanks and cistern trucks, and covering their operating and maintenance costs.

Beyond emergency aid, the Ministry is focusing on long-term resilience through a “solidarity farming” approach aimed at rebuilding the national herd and revitalizing rural economies.

Planned initiatives include improving grazing areas, distributing forage seeds, constructing fattening centers, developing water infrastructure, and promoting rural self-employment, particularly among youth and women.

To ensure transparency and speed in project implementation, the Ministry has developed a simplified support mechanism that includes eligibility criteria, monitoring tools, and governance safeguards.

Bouari emphasized that local professional organizations are being engaged through a participatory approach to help design and implement these solidarity-based projects.