Due to extensive droughts leading to a major decline in livestock, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has requested residents to abstain from sheep slaughter during Eid Al-Adha. This year’s anticipated rainfall deficit has aggravated meat production issues, prompting the government to import sheep and revise tax policies to ensure price stability.
King Mohammed VI of Morocco has urged citizens to refrain from the customary slaughter of sheep during Eid Al-Adha this year due to significant reductions in livestock populations caused by extended droughts. The Eid, which is scheduled for June, honors the biblical figure Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
Official reports indicate that Morocco’s livestock, particularly sheep and cattle, have seen a 38 percent decline since the last census nine years ago, primarily attributed to adverse climatic conditions. In light of these circumstances, the King expressed the importance of enabling citizens to observe their religious traditions while remaining mindful of the economic implications affecting the population, especially those with limited financial resources.
This year has witnessed rainfall levels 53 percent lower than the average over the past three decades, severely restricting pasture availability and impacting meat production. Consequently, this has led to both increases in meat prices within the domestic market and a rise in the importation of livestock and red meat to address shortages.
To mitigate these challenges, Morocco has arranged to import up to 100,000 sheep from Australia, and the government has suspended import duties as well as a value-added tax on various types of livestock and red meat in its 2025 budget to stabilize prices in the market.
In summary, King Mohammed VI’s appeal to Moroccans regarding the restraint from sheep slaughter during Eid Al-Adha underscores the impacts of recent droughts on livestock populations and the economy. The decision aims to protect the welfare of vulnerable populations affected by food price increases, while also taking necessary steps such as livestock imports and tax adjustments to stabilize the market amid challenging climatic conditions.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
