Work continues on implementing the emergency program to accelerate the repair of damages and resume agricultural projects in the areas affected by the earthquake in the Al Haouz region, at a positive and advanced pace, in implementation of the high directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
The emergency programme includes the reclamation and construction of rural agricultural paths, the rehabilitation of small and medium irrigation circuits, the repair of canals, the construction and equipping of water points, in addition to the distribution of sheep and goats to affected livestock breeders who incurred losses, and the rehabilitation of valuation units and cooperative headquarters.
In many villages, such as El Bor and Mariga, farmers are benefiting from support allocated for post-earthquake reconstruction, which enables them to continue their agricultural activity with great determination and enthusiasm, with the aim of finally overcoming the repercussions of this disaster.
In this context, Zineb Bensassi, Head of the Agricultural Production Chain Projects Implementation Service at the Regional Directorate of Agriculture in Marrakech, said: “Following the earthquake of September 8 of last year, the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests implemented an emergency program that includes rebuilding animal capital by distributing 138,879 quintals of fodder to 17,449 beneficiaries.”
She added in a statement to the Maghreb Arab Press Agency that 11,890 heads of sheep and goats were distributed to 1,189 livestock farmers, and the process is still ongoing, noting that 43.2 km of irrigation canals and associated facilities have also been programmed to be re-operated, in addition to demolishing four production units that were severely damaged, and programming the rehabilitation of 19 units for the valorization of agricultural products by the end of September, and the creation of a platform for marketing local products in Asni.
In a similar statement, Moulay Idriss Ben Elhaj, one of the farmers who lost his livestock in the earthquake and who benefited from the distribution of barley, goats and sheep, praised the various initiatives and the continuous and organized support. He said, “These initiatives give us a sense of security. The support provided by the state and the concerned parties will help us rebuild our lives and continue agricultural activity.”
He expressed his satisfaction with the support provided to the rural population by listening to them and meeting their needs and aspirations after the earthquake since the first hours of this natural disaster.
For his part, Rashid Jadbak, another beneficiary from Douar El Bor, said, “When we received the sheep distributed by the authorities, I felt as if a glimmer of hope had returned again. We will now be able to rebuild our lives thanks to this assistance.”
He added, “The process of supporting farmers is taking place in optimal conditions and at an accelerated pace, thanks to the close coordination between the various stakeholders and the concerned services, and the continuous mobilization and permanent commitment of the local authorities who are sparing no effort in extending a helping hand and providing assistance to those affected by the Al Hoceima earthquake.”
These agricultural projects clearly reflect the importance of the support that farmers in the affected areas receive to restore their economic and psychological balance, and the special attention that Morocco gives to the rural world and the agricultural sector, with the aim of creating a dynamic of production and stability for the local population in these areas.
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