Rabat – "Morocco has successfully protected its national livestock during years of severe drought, thanks to strategic measures initiated by King Mohammed VI", Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari said on Thursday.
El Bouari highlighted the King’s decision urging Moroccans to refrain from the customary Eid Al Adha animal sacrifice this year, along with the strict ban on slaughtering female livestock, which boosted herd reproduction. Improved pastures between January and April 2025, combined with breeders’ efforts, also helped preserve the national herd.
A livestock census from June 26 to August 11, 2025, showed Morocco’s total herd now exceeds 32.8 million, including 9.4 million recent births. The measures preserved 3 million female breeders and 3.5 million male sheep, supporting the red meat market. While cattle numbers remain about 30% below average due to COVID-19 and reduced irrigation, dairy cows have rebounded to 750,000, though camel populations fell nearly 30% from degraded pastures.
The government has allocated nearly MAD 11 billion in support for breeders, covering feed, preservation of female breeders, debt reduction, vaccinations, and technical guidance. Most beneficiaries are small-scale breeders: 90% of sheep and goat farmers own fewer than 50 animals, and 93% of cattle breeders raise fewer than 10.
Additional measures include suspending customs duties and VAT on imported livestock and powdered milk, while maintaining exemptions on cattle imports to support market supply and restore the herd.
The census involved 2,822 mixed commissions and 39,174 personnel from various ministries, security forces, and local authorities, collecting detailed herd data for central integration.
El Bouari stressed that continued support for livestock farming is crucial to sustain Morocco’s meat and dairy production, ensuring food security and long-term industry resilience.
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