King Mohammed VI of Morocco has called on citizens not to slaughter sheep for Eid Al-Adha this year due to a 38 percent decrease in livestock caused by drought. He highlighted the importance of considering the economic impact on low-income families. The government has also signed a deal to import sheep and suspended taxes on livestock to stabilize prices.
King Mohammed VI of Morocco has urged citizens to refrain from the traditional rite of slaughtering sheep during Eid Al-Adha this year, citing the significant decline in livestock due to persistent drought. This important Islamic festival, which occurs in June, celebrates Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son as commanded by God, typically marked by the slaughtering of sheep or goats, with the meat shared among family and those in need.
Official statistics reveal that Morocco’s sheep and cattle population has diminished by 38 percent since the last census and is anticipated to continue to decline in 2025 due to consecutive years of drought. In a message conveyed by Religious Affairs Minister Ahmed Taoufiq via state television, the King emphasized the need to balance the religious practices with the economic realities stemming from climate challenges that have severely impacted livestock numbers.
The King stated that performing the slaughtering rite under these circumstances would cause serious harm to many, particularly low-income families. This year, rainfall was 53 percent lower than the average of the past three decades, resulting in insufficient pasture for livestock, a reduction in meat production, and increased prices in the local market.
To mitigate these challenges, Morocco has entered a contract to import as many as 100,000 sheep from Australia. The government’s 2025 budget also includes the suspension of import duties and value-added tax on livestock and meat products to stabilize prices in the domestic market.
In light of the ongoing drought affecting livestock populations, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has formally requested that citizens forgo the customary sheep slaughter during Eid Al-Adha this year. This decision reflects an awareness of the economic difficulties faced by families due to the low availability of livestock caused by severe climatic conditions, along with the government’s efforts to regulate meat prices through imports and tax adjustments.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
