Assahafa.com
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Ahmed El Bouari, highlighted the “strategic importance” of the livestock sector in the Kingdom’s agricultural policy on Monday in Meknes.
In a press statement on the sidelines of the 18th edition of the International Agriculture Exhibition in Morocco (April 20-28), the opening of which was chaired by HRH Prince Moulay Rachid, the minister noted that this sector represents almost a third of the agricultural GDP, generates nearly 35 billion dirhams in added value, provides approximately 135 million workdays per year, and constitutes a source of income for almost 1.2 million livestock farmers.
The achievements recorded under the Green Morocco Plan, and later consolidated by the “Generation Green” strategy, have made it possible to strengthen the livestock supply chains, he assured, noting, however, that the sector has faced significant challenges, linked in particular to successive years of drought.
Faced with this situation, and in implementation of the High Royal Instructions, the government has launched a program to rebuild the national herd, which today constitutes an essential lever to gradually restore the sector’s balance, El Bouari indicated. He added that this dynamic comes in a context marked by an improvement in climate conditions, thus opening up encouraging prospects for the sector’s recovery.
On this occasion, the minister praised the resilience of livestock farmers, highlighting their “constant efforts and their commitment to our country’s food security.”
He emphasized that SIAM, as a leading platform for national and international agriculture, offers a privileged setting this year to debate the theme of the “sustainability of animal production and food sovereignty,” chosen for this 18th edition, as well as to share experiences and highlight solutions capable of sustainably supporting the sector’s recovery.
Held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, SIAM-2026 is located at the “Sahrij Souani” square, spanning an area of 37 hectares. It features the participation of 70 countries, with Portugal as the guest of honor—a choice that reflects the excellent relations between the two countries and the dynamism that characterizes their bilateral cooperation.
Source: map
