Moroccans pray for rain
Morocco, Agriculture, 4/1/2000

Hundreds of worshippers flocked on Friday to mosques throughout Morocco to pray for rain. Such prayers are held in line with the prophet's tradition every time drought is threatening a muslim community. Similar rogatory prayers were performed last February 25.

Agriculture which contributes 20 % to Morocco's gross domestic product and which mostly relies on drought-sensitive crops is facing a very critical situation, especially in non-irrigated areas, due to the shortage of rainfall.

The replenishment rate of dams used to agricultural purposes stood at 46% by mid February and since September 1999, water flows to dams recorded a drop of 59 % compared to the average flows in the same period, threatening even the irrigated areas.

The drought will cause a $ 900 million loss in agriculture value-added, and will make the country lose 52.5 million working days.

The country's annual growth will suffer from the drought which will adversely impact other sectors including commerce, transportation and agri-business.

To face up the situation, the government devised a $ 655 million anti-drought program that will be implemented over 15 months, starting from April. The program provides for job generating in rural areas, protection of cattle, and food and water supply to most affected areas.

To cope with the shortage of cereal harvest, Morocco will import 5.2 million tons of cereals.

Previous Stories:
  Drought will make Morocco lose millions of working days   (3/28/2000)
  Morocco adopts anti-drought moves   (3/27/2000)
  Minister deplores critical situation of grain production in Morocco   (3/13/2000)

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