In an unprecedented move, King Mohammed VI has called on Moroccans to forgo the traditional sheep slaughter during this year’s Eid al-Adha, citing a drastic decline in the nation’s livestock due to a prolonged seven-year drought. The Islamic holiday, which takes place in June, honors Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, typically marked by the ritual slaughter of animals like sheep, with the meat shared among families and the poor.
Official figures reveal a staggering 38% reduction in Morocco’s herds over the past decade, driven by parched pastures and water scarcity. Soaring meat prices have compounded the issue, prompting the import of 100,000 sheep from Australia to meet demand. In a televised address delivered by the minister of religious affairs, King Mohammed VI highlighted the economic strain, stating, “Performing the rite under these difficult circumstances will cause significant harm to large segments of our people, especially those with limited income.”
This is not the first time such a request has been made; King Hassan II, the current king’s father, issued a similar appeal in 1966 during another severe drought. Agriculture Minister Ahmed Bouari recently explained the crisis, noting that water priorities for drinking and industrial use have left agriculture severely impacted, with strict regulations and water rationing affecting most irrigation areas.
To alleviate the financial burden, the Moroccan government has removed import taxes and VAT on cattle, sheep, camels, and red meat, aiming to stabilize prices and ensure accessibility for citizens amidst the ongoing shortages.
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