Moroccan Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ahmed Boubaari, has stated that supporting farmers is crucial for protecting Morocco's food security. He made these remarks during a gathering of the National Rally of Independents (RNI) party in the city of Tangier. Boubaari emphasized that the agricultural sector is a vital component of the country's strategic security. He highlighted the importance of dealing with farmers' issues with the highest level of responsibility and seriousness.
Boubaari reported that the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region has achieved significant accomplishments in recent years, including the construction of over 2,350 kilometers of rural roads, with an average of 500 to 600 kilometers per year. Additionally, the irrigated areas have been expanded to over 32,000 hectares, and more than 53,000 hectares have been planted with fruit trees. The minister also mentioned the establishment of 33 units for the valorization of local products.
The minister discussed the challenges faced by the national agriculture sector, citing seven consecutive years of drought. He praised the resilience and bravery of over 1.4 million farmers who continued to work tirelessly to supply the markets with food products. Boubaari also addressed criticism of government support for the agricultural sector, arguing that providing aid to farmers is a necessity to protect the livelihoods of thousands of families and ensure continued food production.
Boubaari emphasized that export is not at the expense of the national market but rather an essential component of the production system, contributing to job creation in rural areas and attracting investments. He stressed that farmers are not a topic for electoral gains but rather a national project that should remain separate from electoral exploitation.
The RNI party's gathering in Tangier was attended by the Prime Minister, Aziz Akhannouch, and other high-ranking officials. The event showcased the party's efforts to engage with citizens and promote its agenda. Boubaari's speech highlighted the government's commitment to supporting farmers and promoting agricultural development.
The agricultural sector has received significant investments, with nearly 1 billion dirhams allocated to the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. These investments have led to the creation of over 2.5 billion dirhams, improving the income and living conditions of more than 700,000 citizens in rural areas, mostly small farmers.
The government's support for farmers has been a subject of debate, with some questioning the allocation of funds. However, Boubaari argued that supporting farmers is a national duty, essential for ensuring food security and protecting the livelihoods of thousands of families. The minister's statements reflect the government's efforts to promote agricultural development and address the challenges faced by farmers.
Key points
- The Moroccan government has invested nearly 1 billion dirhams in the agricultural sector in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region.
- The minister emphasized that supporting farmers is crucial for protecting Morocco's food security.
- The agricultural sector has created over 2.5 billion dirhams, improving the income and living conditions of more than 700,000 citizens in rural areas.
