Morocco adopts anti-drought moves

Morocco has adopted a large-scale program to counter the adverse effects of the drought currently hitting the country.

The program, whose amount is yet to be announced, seeks to secure drinking water supply, safeguard livestock and protect small farmers against the hike of prices.

Morocco will import 5.2 million tons of cereals to meet the population's needs.

The government announced last week that a new group of some 120,000 small farmers will have their debt written off part of the government's moves to counter the adverse effects of drought.

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.

Up to last January, the state paid 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.