Budget to alleviate drought effects raised

The state budget to alleviate drought effects was raised from 6 billion DH ($ 545.4 million) to 7.5 billion DH ($ 681.8 million) thanks to contribution from the subsidy board and French and US assistance, said a Moroccan official.

Minister of agriculture, rural development, water and forests, Ismail Alaoui, told Moroccan "L'Opinion" daily it is imperative to spend the amount in operations that have a direct impact on the material situation of rural populations, mainly projects to supply water, break the rural world isolation and protect cattle.

He argued that the state budget should permanently earmark funds for anti-drought programs and for projects other than farming activities in order to reduce exodus to cities.