HIBAPRESS
In the farms and sales spaces in the Casablanca-Settat region, the atmosphere of preparations for Eid al-Adha has begun to characterize the sale of sacrificial animals, with the sounds of sheep rising amid conversations among customers about prices, weighing operations, and initial reservations.
As Eid al-Adha approaches, the atmosphere of movement in these commercial spaces gradually intensifies, with sellers and buyers rediscovering their traditions associated with this occasion.
To secure this period, which sees a large increase in demand, the region has 89 spaces dedicated to the sale of sheep and goats, in addition to three temporary spaces specially prepared for this occasion, according to data presented during a meeting to monitor the status of market supply and the evolution of supply and demand, held last Thursday in Rabat, as part of the preparations for Eid al-Adha.
On the other hand, and in order to improve marketing conditions and guide consumers better, several logistical mechanisms have been created, including the establishment of four mobile markets belonging to the National Association of Sheep and Goat Breeders in the Casablanca-Settat region, distributed in each of Benslimane, El Jadida, Ouled Azzouz and Anfa.
In Mediouna, as well as in Ouled Ziane, the first signs of movement have begun to appear clearly, with families coming to inquire about prices, compare available breeds, or reserve the sacrifice in advance, at a time when breeders are working to organize reception spaces to provide better conditions for customers and avoid overcrowding during the last days before the holiday.
In a statement to the Moroccan News Agency, Mohammed Jebli, a breeder and president of the Moroccan Federation of Actors in the Livestock Sector, confirmed that "the atmosphere of Eid al-Adha is strongly present through the sale of sacrificial animals," pointing out that the sales space he supervises in Ouled Ziane has been receiving customers for about a month who come to choose their sacrifices.
He explained that a number of buyers are keen to choose the appropriate sacrifice for them, determine its price, and then pay an advance to keep it until the eve of the holiday or a few days before that.
He added, "We work in this way to facilitate matters for customers, by sparing them the need to move to the big markets, overcrowding, transport difficulties, and the problems associated with transporting the sacrifices."
According to Mr. Jebli, the sacrifices offered are mainly from areas known for livestock breeding in Morocco, highlighting that the most demanded breeds remain "Sardi" and "Berki," due to their popularity with consumers.
For his part, Mohammed El Azzouzi, a breeder in the Mediouna community, stated that the sales space he supervises is also experiencing increasing activity with the approach of Eid al-Adha, through the influx of customers to inquire about prices, compare the available breeds, and reserve sacrifices.
He pointed out that prices generally range between 3,000 and 7,000 dirhams, depending on the breed, weight and quality of the sacrifice, noting that customer turnout increases especially after work hours and during the weekend, which are the periods that see the highest sales pace.
He also noted that a number of customers prefer to return to the same sellers every year, thanks to the relationship of trust that has been established over time, highlighting that some of them have begun to prefer organized sales spaces instead of traditional markets.
He considered, on the other hand, that the rainfall that several regions of the Kingdom witnessed this year contributed to improving pastures and breeding conditions, which had a positive impact on the abundance of supply in the markets.
This dynamic comes in a context characterized by an abundance of supply at the level of the Casablanca-Settat region, where the expected supply directed to Eid al-Adha is estimated at more than 1.1 million head of sheep and 45,000 head of goats, according to data from the Regional Directorate of Agriculture in the Casablanca-Settat region.
These data also confirm the mobilization of various stakeholders to ensure the regular supply of markets in the best conditions, within the framework of the national program to reconstitute the herd, which is being implemented in accordance with the High Royal Directives aimed at preserving the national herd and ensuring the sustainability of breeding systems.
As the days go by, it is expected that the movement in the various sales spaces in the region will increase, coinciding with the approach of Eid al-Adha and the entry of preparations into their most active phase.
