King Mohammed VI has mobilized some one billion dollars to fight against drought and to develop the rural areas in the kingdom of Morocco.
King Mohammed VI yesterday launched an aid program for the agricultural sector. The plan is worth nearly one billion dollars. The spending includes some $300 million dollars from the Hassan II Fund for economic and social development.
According to Reuters:
“The plan targets water management, helping farmers and agricultural insurance as well as ensuring wheat and animal feed supply, the palace said in a statement.”
Morocco is facing its worst drought in thirty years. With a rainfall deficit of 64% in the current year a potentially crippling factor for much of the country’s agricultural production.
This emergency plan “aims to mitigate the effects of the drought, to alleviate the impact on agricultural activity and to provide aid to the farmers and breeders concerned”, said the Royal Palace in a press release.
The plan aims to protect agriculture and manage water scarcity, as well as finance operations to supply the market with wheat and fodder and relieve farmers of their financial burdens.
The emergency plan also provides for the financing of innovative investments in the field of irrigation.
The country has a severe rainfall deficit: to date, the national average rainfall has reached 75 mm according to royal cabinet.
Furthermore, dam reserves are at their lowest, with a filling rate of barely 33% against 48% last year.
“This climatic and water situation has a negative impact on the progress of the agricultural campaign, particularly autumn crops and the availability of pasture”, knowing that the agricultural sector accounts for 14% of GDP.
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