A few weeks before Eid al-Adha, livestock breeders are preparing to take over the markets set up for the occasion. But prices will be significantly high compared to last year, potentially exacerbating the cost of living crisis for many citizens.
Having taken part in the 16th International Agricultural Show in Morocco (SIAM 2024), held in Meknes from April 22 to 28, many sheep and goat sellers confirmed this increase. According to them, it is accelerated by the impact of successive years of drought, as well as high fodder prices.
Among the winners of the prize for best breeder for the Timahdit breed during this SIAM 2024, Ahmi Mouloud deplored to Yabiladi the decline in this herd, which constitutes a particularity of livestock in the Middle Atlas region. “Farmers suffer from these two problems and state support remains insufficient. Despite these difficulties, the offer will be available for Eid al-Adha this year,” he said.
Furthermore, the professional indicates that the most impacted livestock of this breed are those located in the areas of Meknes, Fez, Boulemane, Ifrane, Azilal, Beni Mellal, Khénifra and Khémisset. Thus, he pointed out that Eid livestock prices would increase this year by around 1,000 dirhams, compared to last year.
Endemic breeds adapt less and less to drought
M’barek Tiaza, among the winners of the same prize for the Blanc des Alpes breed at SIAM 2024, explains to Yabiladi that “the drought has affected the herds, whose number has decreased considerably”. This is particularly the case for the breed he raises, “although it is known for its characteristics that make it capable of adapting to the most difficult climatic conditions, as well as its great ability to move in places arid”.
The breeder also confirms that “we expect an increase of around 1,000 dirhams per head, if we combine the drought factor with that of the increase in the price of fodder”. If M’barek also believes that “the support from the State is not sufficient”, he considers that this aid “in any case contributes to lightening the burden” which weighs on professionals in the sector.
Mustafa Khaili, specialist in the Timahdit breed, affirmed that the price increase this year would be “not less than 500 dirhams”. He also attributes this development to “the high cost of fodder and successive years of drought”.
Known in the Oriental region, the Beni Guil breed is not to be outdone. Despite its ability to adapt to all types of pastures, in arid and semi-arid zones, as well as its high level of productivity, it was not spared from the succession of unprecedented droughts.
Speaking to Yabiladi, Mehdaoui Almiloud, winner of the prize for best breeder of this breed of sheep, confirms the weight of water stress on livestock and shepherds. “Many were forced to abandon all livestock and migrate elsewhere. There are fewer and fewer sheep and the number of farmers has also decreased considerably,” he tells us.
According to this breeder, the public aid allocated by the State “remains insufficient despite its importance”. For him, the increase in livestock prices for the sacrifice festival could reach up to 2,000 dirhams per head, compared to 2023.
For his part, Ahmed Laklikh, specialist in the Sardi breed in Kelâa des Sraghna, estimated to Yabiladi that the increase in the price of sacrifices “will reach 1,000 dirhams this year”, given the “high price of fodder and successive years of drought. He emphasizes that the herds of this breed, the most popular during Eid al-Adha in Morocco, are also in decline.
What about government actions?
A few days ago, the government confirmed that it was working to double imports of sheep for Eid slaughter compared to last year.
During the press briefing following the weekly government council, the spokesperson for the executive and delegate in charge of relations with Parliament, Mustapha Baitas, confirmed “the desire to double the number of livestock imports intended for Eid for this year. “We are currently talking about importing 600,000 sheep, but we could exceed this ceiling,” he added.
The minister stressed that the establishment of an occasional import mechanism is not enough for the desired response, noting that the government “is working to simplify and regulate the process put in place since last year, in order to facilitate the import circuit and allow Eid to take place in good conditions.
In response to a question along the same lines, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, Mohammed Sadiki, declared a few days ago that as of April 16, 2024, “around two million sheep were counted as part of preparations for Eid.
