Morocco braces for drought

The severe rainfall shortage this year prompted the heads of regional councils to send a petition to Moroccan Prime Minister Driss Jettou on Tuesday (January 16th) urging the government to "step up the implementation of a global and urgent programme to reduce the effects of drought and support farmers". This agricultural season saw 44% lower rainfall than average, as well as a significant fall in temperatures, the Agricultural Ministry said. These factors have caused a notable decrease in the cultivated land, especially in fall cereals. During the last cabinet meeting, Agriculture Minister Mohand Laenser announced the implementation of an emergency programme to safeguard and protect livestock and to soften the possible impact of a drought. The programme envisages providing food and water to livestock, reinforcing livestock health protection and implementing a programme for spring cultivation.