Expectations of an unprecedented rise in sheep prices mount ahead of Eid Al Adha

As Morocco navigates a persistent yet controlled inflation, the prices of sheep are once again spreading apprehension among citizens with the approach of Eid-Al Adha.

The rising costs of livestock breeding due to drought and high fuel prices, compounded by additional lingering challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis, have created significant pressures on consumers.

 Minister of agriculture and fisheries Mohamed Seddiki addressed the House of Representatives on Monday, shedding light on the current situation. 

Seddiki reported that since March 8th, the number of sheep and goats prepared for slaughter on the occasion of Eid al-Adha 1445/2024 has reached a staggering 3 million. 

This increase in availability underscores the magnitude of the issue and the need for concerted efforts to mitigate its impact on both the agricultural sector and the broader economy.

Because of the increase in the cost of several necessities, and an inflation that Morocco has been facing for the past six years, a number of farmers expressed their fear of the repercussions of how this drought is affecting   Morocco’s agriculture. 

The rise of livestock prices could reach 15%; which sets the estimated selling prices between MAD 70 and MAD 75  per kilogram. Last year,the price ranged between MAD 60 and MAD 65 per kg.

In response to two questions about the subject, Sadiki declared the commencement, as of November 2023, of a preparatory program for Aïd al-Adha that includes a number of measures, namely a precise assessment of the expectations for the availability and demand for sheep heads intended for Eid, as well as the registering 214.000 units of ovine and caprine destined for the holiday.

Morocco will have to then resort to importing the animals, despite that, this process will not minimize the price. 

Seddiki recalled the measures relating to those imports, such as the granting of a subsidy on the importation of sheep intended for slaughter in the amount of MAD 500 per head from March 15, 2024 until to June 15, 2024, in addition to the exemption from import duty and value added tax on imports applicable to sheep.