HIBAPRESS – w.m.a.
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, Ahmed Al-Bouari, conducted a field visit to the Loukkos plain on Friday to assess the condition of agricultural lands and hydro-agricultural infrastructure damaged by the recent floods.
This visit, which specifically included the communes of Ouled Ouchih and Souaken, is part of the implementation of the High Royal Instructions related to the implementation of the assistance and support program for the population affected by the floods that affected the northern and western regions of the Kingdom, and within the framework of activating special measures for the agricultural sector.
This visit enabled direct meetings between the Minister and the affected farmers and livestock breeders, in addition to assessing the progress of interventions carried out to reduce the impact of the floods on agricultural activity.
At the Loukkos agricultural pole, the Minister held a working meeting with members of the Regional Chamber of Agriculture and professionals in the sector in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region.
The meetings focused on the post-flood recovery plan, and presenting practical measures aimed at ensuring the restoration of the usual production dynamics in the affected areas in the Loukkos basin as soon as possible.
In a statement to the press, the Minister affirmed that, in implementation of the government program adopted in application of the High Royal Instructions, a special support program has been adopted aimed at supporting farmers and livestock breeders affected, and encouraging the resumption of agricultural activities.
He explained that this program is based on three priority axes: resuming spring crops, supporting livestock breeders and preserving the herd, and rehabilitating and securing hydro-agricultural infrastructure.
Regarding spring crops, a remedial program was launched to ensure the continuity of the agricultural season, which includes, in particular, forage crops, oil crops, legumes, vegetables, and rice, taking into account the specifics of the concerned orbits. Support measures were also approved to facilitate the purchase of seeds and fertilizers necessary to resume production.
As for supporting livestock breeders and preserving the herd, the process of distributing barley free of charge to sheep and goat breeders continues, in addition to providing compound feed for cattle.
In parallel, the health control of the herd was strengthened through the mobilization of veterinary services, in order to secure the necessary examinations, treatments, and preventive interventions, and to maintain the health of animals and ensure the continuity of milk and meat production.
Regarding the rehabilitation and securing of hydro-agricultural infrastructure, an intervention program has been adopted that includes removing sludge and cleaning irrigation and drainage canals, repairing pumping stations, as well as rehabilitating damaged electrical and hydromechanical equipment.
Additional interventions also include strengthening flood protection facilities and rehabilitating agricultural tracks, with the aim of restoring access to farms and ensuring the continuity of irrigation service.
Preliminary estimates indicate that the damaged areas in the Loukkos region reached about 20,000 hectares, which mainly included grain crops, sugar and forage crops, and vegetables, in addition to fruit trees. Livestock breeding activity was also affected, and some hydro-agricultural infrastructure was damaged.
This visit comes after a first meeting held by the Minister with members of the Chamber of Agriculture and professionals in the sector at the level of the Gharb area, affiliated with the Rabat-Salé-Kenitra region, which was dedicated to assessing the effects of the recent floods and the measures taken to relaunch agricultural activity in the affected areas.
