Sadiki: “Genetic research is a way to improve the dairy value chain”
Hibapress
Genetic research is essential to improve the dairy value chain, said Friday in Meknes, the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests, Mohamed Sadiki.
Speaking at a Conference held as part of the International Agricultural Show in Morocco (SIAM) under the theme “Morocco Milk: In search of new genetics”, Mr. Sadiki explained that the genetic improvement of of dairy cattle breeds is essential to meet the growing demand for dairy products.
By improving the genetic characteristics of these breeds, such as their ability to produce milk, their resistance to diseases and their adaptation to climatic conditions, it is possible to increase their productivity without necessarily increasing their numbers, he continued, specifying that the search for species adapted to the climatic conditions of Morocco makes it possible to meet the needs of the national market.
The last three years have been marked by difficulties linked to climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have impacted the value chains of the dairy sector by disrupting supply and demand, noted the minister, noting that the return to the system before the health crisis proved complex.
In this sense, the ministry is considering the importation of genetically improved cows to strengthen milk productivity, and is also seeking to set up research programs linked to genetic improvement within Moroccan agricultural schools to support the plans. action and national strategies relating to livestock, he said.
Mr. Sadiki thus argued that to advance this area, it is necessary to train specialized technicians, specifying that the ministry is currently working on a law aimed at organizing livestock breeding in Morocco, taking into account in particular issues related to genetic improvement and breeding of imported species.
For his part, the president of the Interprofessional Federation of the Dairy Sector (Morocco Milk), Rachid El Khattate, affirmed that it is essential to give priority to genetic improvement as part of the efforts aimed at overcoming the difficulties encountered by the dairy sector in recent years.
According to him, genetic improvement can significantly contribute to increasing milk productivity and quality, while strengthening resilience to diseases and changing environmental conditions.
“In recent years, milk production has declined significantly in Morocco. In response to this situation, the ministry, in collaboration with Maroc Lait, has developed an action plan aimed at improving the dairy sector, which includes measures such as tax exemptions for breeders and subsidizing dried milk. -he said, noting that these initiatives demonstrate the considerable efforts made by the authorities to support and stimulate the dairy sector.
And added: “Among the actions undertaken by the federation and the ministry as part of their joint actions are national research on milk production on farms, aimed at obtaining a clear vision of milk productivity on a national scale “, believing that this initiative is essential to identify the challenges and opportunities of the Moroccan dairy sector.”
In addition, the creation of regional dairy management units (UREL) is an important strategy to support the implementation of the Green generation strategy in the different regions of the Kingdom, said Mr. El Khatlate, noting that these units will play a crucial role in coordinating local efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices and support the development of the dairy sector regionally.
Organized until April 28 under the theme “Climate and agriculture: For sustainable and resilient production systems”, the 16th edition of SIAM sees the participation of nearly 70 countries, including Spain as guest of honor , and 1,500 exhibitors.
More than 950,000 visitors are expected at this high mass of Moroccan and international agriculture which offers a rich program of 40 conferences and round tables on crucial current themes.
