Morocco allocates $1 billion to mitigating drought

King Mohammed VI ordered the allocation of 10 billion dirhams ($1 billion) to mitigate the impact of drought on farmers, the Royal Palace said.

Morocco has registered a rainfall deficit of 64% jeopardizing this year’s harvest and putting farmers in a difficult financial position.

Hassan II fund for economic and social development will contribute by 3 billion dirhams, the palace said in a statement after the King’s meeting with head of government Aziz Akhannouch and Agriculture minister Mohamed Sadiki.

The plan aims in particular at helping farmers boost resilience to drought and maintaining livestock. It also targets water management and innovative irrigation techniques.

The plan also aims to ensure steady supply of wheat and animal feed to the national market and to support agricultural insurance.