Ahmad Al-Bouari Assesses Flood Damage in Loukkos Plain and Launches Recovery Plan for Farmers and Livestock
The Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Ahmad Al-Bouari, visited the Loukkos Plain on Friday to evaluate the damage caused by recent floods to agricultural lands and hydro-agricultural infrastructure. The tour included the municipalities of Oulad Ouchih and Sawakin and aimed to implement the royal directives concerning the assistance program for affected residents and activate governmental measures related to the agricultural sector.
During the visit, the minister met directly with affected farmers and livestock breeders, assessing the progress of interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of the floods on agricultural activity. He also held a working meeting with members of the Regional Agricultural Chamber and sector professionals in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region to discuss the post-flood recovery plan and practical measures for restoring agricultural activity in the shortest time possible.
The minister clarified that the government’s support program is based on three main pillars: resuming spring crops, supporting livestock breeders and maintaining the herd, and rehabilitating and securing hydro-agricultural infrastructure. This includes support for fodder, oilseeds, legumes, vegetables, and rice production, along with facilitating the acquisition of seeds and fertilizers. Additionally, the distribution of free barley and compound feed for sheep, goats, and cattle continues, alongside enhancing health monitoring of the herd to ensure the continuity of milk and meat production.
In terms of infrastructure, the program involves the removal of mud, cleaning irrigation and drainage channels, repairing pumping stations, and rehabilitating damaged electrical and hydro-mechanical equipment. It also includes strengthening flood protection structures and improving agricultural pathways to ensure farmers can access their lands and maintain irrigation services.
Preliminary estimates indicate that the floods affected around 20,000 hectares in the Loukkos area, impacting crops, forage, vegetables, and fruit trees, in addition to affecting livestock activity and some hydro-agricultural infrastructure. This visit follows a meeting the minister had with the Agricultural Chamber in the Gharb region to evaluate the effects of the floods and the measures taken to revive agricultural activity.
