King Mohammed VI of Morocco has requested that citizens refrain from slaughtering sheep during Eid Al-Adha due to a severe reduction in livestock caused by prolonged drought conditions. Official statistics show a 38% decline in sheep and cattle populations. The decision aims to balance religious practices with the economic challenges many face, and measures have been initiated to stabilize meat prices and import livestock.
King Mohammed VI of Morocco has urged citizens to refrain from the ritual slaughter of sheep during Eid Al-Adha this year, attributing the request to a significant decline in the nation’s livestock due to persistent drought conditions. This year’s celebration, scheduled for June, honors the biblical figure Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as a command from God, traditionally marked by the slaughter of sheep or goats, with the meat shared among family and the less fortunate.
Official statistics reveal that Morocco’s cattle and sheep populations have diminished by 38 percent since the last census nine years prior, largely as a result of consecutive droughts. The King’s message emphasized the necessity to address both climatic and economic challenges, which have heavily impacted livestock availability.
In a letter conveyed by religious affairs minister Ahmed Taoufiq via state television, the King stated, “Our commitment to enabling you to fulfill this religious rite under the best conditions is accompanied by the duty to consider the climatic and economic challenges facing our country, which have led to a significant decline in livestock numbers.”
The King further noted that conducting the ritual under the current circumstances could lead to “significant harm to large segments of our people, especially those with limited income.” This year’s rainfall was reported to be 53 percent below the average of the previous three decades, resulting in insufficient pasture for animals.
The repercussions of this situation have been manifested in reduced meat production, escalating market prices, and a growing dependency on imported livestock products. Recently, Morocco secured an agreement to import up to 100,000 sheep from Australia as a means to alleviate the scarcity.
The 2025 budget has also seen the suspension of import duties and value-added tax on cattle, sheep, camels, and red meat to stabilize domestic market prices, reflecting the government’s attempt to manage the situation.
Overall, King Mohammed VI’s call evidences a commitment to balancing religious traditions with the socio-economic realities faced by the populace amidst ongoing climatic adversities.
In summary, King Mohammed VI’s request for citizens to abstain from sheep slaughter during this year’s Eid Al-Adha is driven by a substantial reduction in livestock due to drought conditions. The significant drop in cattle and sheep herds necessitates a careful consideration of both economic and climatic challenges. The measures announced, including the suspension of import duties and the agreement to import sheep, indicate steps being taken to mitigate the impact of this crisis on the Moroccan populace.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
