Moroccan government pledges drought support for farmers

29/03/2007

[File] Benabdallah

Morocco's government will launch a programme aimed at alleviating the effects of the country's current drought by providing compensation to farmers covered by the insurance program of cereal products against drought, and by supporting the payment of farmers' debts, government spokesman Nabil Benabdallah announced Wednesday (March 28th). The programme's launch will complete the emergency measures announced by the government last January, which includes providing food and water to livestock, reinforcing livestock health protection and assistance with spring cultivation. Benabdallah added that the cabinet will also proceed with the realisation of a programme for drinking water supply in the stricken rural areas and the protection of forests. Morocco is experiencing a rainfall shortage of 50% and the drought may reduce Morocco's cereal output from 7m tonnes in 2006 to 2005 levels of 4.2m tonnes thus forcing the country to increase cereal imports. (MAP)