Bouari: Akhannouch Leaves His Mark on Moroccan Agriculture, Reform Continues with Water and Livestock as Top Priorities
Ahmed Bouari, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, confirmed that the notable development in Morocco’s agricultural sector is not coincidental but rather an extension of a long reform journey that began with the Green Morocco Plan. He pointed out that Aziz Akhannouch was behind the establishment of the strategies on which the sector relies today.
During his participation in the ninth round of the “Path to Achievements” initiative of the National Rally of Independents party, today in the Tissa area of the Fès-Meknès region, Bouari emphasized that the strategic Green Generation Plan has enabled Morocco to face seven consecutive years of drought and ensured the availability of agricultural products in the markets. The minister stated, “Thanks to Aziz Akhannouch, we have greenery today, and Moroccans have something to eat,” while affirming that the path of reform still requires sustained effort.
Bouari pointed out that water represents one of the sector’s biggest challenges, affirming that the directives of King Mohammed VI have established a clear vision for managing this vital resource. In this context, 25,000 hectares have been equipped with drip irrigation in the Fès-Meknès region, and the Tissa area will benefit from the expansion of irrigation by an additional 5,000 hectares. The minister also noted that the desalination plants in Rabat and Casablanca will help enhance irrigation in the Fès-Meknès region, particularly within the Fès-Sais basin.
On the topic of livestock, Bouari revealed that the government has allocated 12.8 billion dirhams to restructure the national herd, an unprecedented figure, explaining that 4 million dirhams have been disbursed to benefit 912 breeders in just three weeks. The minister underscored that this step is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen food sovereignty and support farmers, particularly small-scale farmers, within a comprehensive vision for the future of the agricultural sector in Morocco.
