Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, Ahmed Bouari, announced that a meeting will soon take place with the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Industry and Trade to tackle the widening gap between prices in agricultural production areas and those in local markets.

During a parliamentary session on Monday, Bouari explained that the meeting’s goal is to find solutions to the discrepancy between the prices of farm products and slaughterhouse goods on one side, and those found in wholesale and retail markets on the other. 

He illustrated the issue by citing the case of tomatoes, which are sold at MAD 2 per kilogram at farms but reach MAD 6 in local markets.

Bouari’s remarks followed concerns raised by MPs about the strain rising prices have placed on households, especially ahead of the Ramadan period. 

Parliamentarians drew attention to the steep climb in prices for red meat, which now exceeds MAD 120 ($12) per kilogram, as well as poultry, which ranges from MAD 25 to 30 ($2.50 to $3).

They also pointed out the surging costs of fish, vegetables, and fruit.

One MP expressed sharp disapproval, saying, “You’ve buried the poorest Moroccans with these prices. Have some respect for their intelligence. Shame on you!”

Bouari attributed the rise in poultry prices not to a shortage in supply, but to the high demand from Moroccans, who are turning to poultry as red meat has become increasingly unaffordable due to its skyrocketing prices.

Despite these concerns, Bouari noted that his focus is not on the fluctuations in prices, but rather on ensuring consistent agricultural production to fulfill national needs.

He outlined several government measures to support agricultural inputs and ease importation processes, including securing deals with over 45 countries. These agreements are designed to stabilize the market and alleviate the price crisis.

Although the Minister of Agriculture points to government efforts, the reality for many Moroccans tells a different story.

Soaring prices for essentials like meat, poultry, and vegetables, coupled with the impact of a severe water drought, have made it increasingly difficult for households to make ends meet. 

This concern is echoed across the responses of many MPs, especially with Ramadan and Eid Al Adha approaching, and are questioning whether these challenges will ever come to an end.

Source - https://www.moroccoworldnews.com