More small farmers have their debt written off

The Moroccan agriculture department on Wednesday announced that a new group of some 120,000 small farmers will have their debts written off as part of the government's moves to counter the adverse effects of drought, currently hitting Morocco.

Agriculture minister, Habib Malki had announced before the parliament the CNCA bank specialized in financing farming decided to write off debts not exceeding 10,000 DH ($1,000) owed by 140,332 small farmers.

The state paid up to last January worth $266 million, which is 86% of the budget allocated to a national program to alleviate drought effects.

Agriculture is facing a very critical situation, especially in non-irrigated areas, due to the shortage of rainfall. The sector contributes 20% to Morocco's gross domestic product.

Unusually low temperatures last December and January, coupled with the absence of rain since January have entailed negative effects on grain culture.

Morocco's western regions experienced last week unusual hot temperatures of more than 30 degrees celsius, caused by hot winds, coming from the south. The average temperature at this period stands at 19 degrees.