Livestock breeders across Morocco have welcomed a new government program aimed at revitalizing the national herd and supporting pastoralists hit hard by years of drought and the unprecedented suspension of Eid al-Adha slaughtering this year. Many breeders say the success of the initiative will depend on how swiftly and fairly it is implemented, particularly for small-scale farmers.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests unveiled a five-point plan Thursday to alleviate the sector’s distress. According to Minister Ahmed Bouari, the measures include rescheduling breeder debts, feed subsidies, and direct financial support.
Under the plan, breeders with loans under 100,000 dirhams (approx. $10,000) could see up to 50% of principal and interest forgiven, while those with debts between 100,000 and 200,000 dirhams may receive 25% debt relief. Additionally, subsidies will be granted at 1 dirham per kilogram of barley and 2.5 dirhams per kilogram of compound feed.
Direct Incentives to Preserve Breeding Stock
A key component of the plan is a 400-dirham subsidy for each identified and unbutchered female sheep or goat, with the goal of reaching 8 million breeding females by May 2026.
However, breeder reactions remain mixed regarding the program’s adequacy and feasibility.
Breeders Cautiously Optimistic
Hassan Belmallem, a livestock breeder from Kalaat Sraghna, described the plan as “a promising step,” especially the debt rescheduling and feed support. But he warned that the damage caused by prolonged drought and the suspension of Eid slaughtering this year exceeds the scope of the current measures.
Belmallem expressed skepticism about the government’s target of 8 million females by mid-2026, suggesting that a two-year window and sustained support—including extending the ban on slaughtering females—are necessary.
“It is not dignified for Moroccan breeders to depend on imported sheep every Eid al-Adha,” he said, urging continued investment and reinforcement of national livestock independence.
Small-Scale Breeders Seek Priority
In Ksar El Kebir, breeder Alaa Al-Sharif Al-Asri said the measures had been “positively received,” but emphasized the need to ensure support reaches the most vulnerable breeders, especially small-scale ones.
He highlighted the significance of debt relief, noting that accumulated arrears to suppliers due to drought have burdened many farmers. Al-Asri also welcomed the feed subsidy, saying it would help ensure “basic coverage of livestock feed needs.”
Regarding the 400-dirham incentive for breeding females, he noted that the amount “roughly covers the cost of raising one female for six months,” which could encourage farmers to preserve their herds in anticipation of improved conditions by 2026.
If implemented effectively, he said, the combination of slaughtering restrictions and financial incentives could enable Morocco to reach the 8-million goal, setting the stage for self-sufficiency by Eid al-Adha 2027, when demand typically peaks at around 5 million animals.
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