King Mohammed VI of Morocco has requested citizens to refrain from slaughtering sheep for Eid Al-Adha due to a significant decline in livestock caused by drought. The cattle and sheep herds in Morocco have decreased by 38% since 2025, leading to economic instability as meat production falls. Measures include importing sheep and suspending taxes on livestock to stabilize prices.
In response to severe drought conditions, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has urged citizens to refrain from slaughtering sheep for Eid Al-Adha this year. The King emphasized the need to consider the decreasing livestock herd due to prolonged droughts, which has significantly impacted the country’s agriculture and economy.
Eid Al-Adha, celebrated in June, honors the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as per divine command. Traditionally, Muslims slaughter sheep or goats, with the meat shared among families and the less fortunate. However, in 2025, cattle and sheep populations declined by 38% from previous census figures due to ongoing drought.
In a statement delivered by Religious Affairs Minister Ahmed Taoufiq on state television, the King expressed that, “Our commitment to enabling you to fulfill this religious rite under the best conditions is accompanied by the duty to consider the climatic and economic challenges facing our country…”
The King also warned that conducting such rites during these challenging conditions may adversely affect low-income families. Notably, rainfall this year has been 53% lower than the average over the last 30 years, which has reduced available pasture for livestock. Consequently, meat production has dipped, thus inflating prices and increasing imports of live animals and red meat.
As a mitigative measure, Morocco has arranged to import up to 100,000 sheep from Australia. Additionally, the 2025 budget reflects a suspension of import duties and VAT on cattle, sheep, camels, and red meat to stabilize domestic pricing.
King Mohammed VI’s appeal to abstain from sheep slaughter during Eid Al-Adha reflects the dire agricultural situation in Morocco due to drought. With livestock numbers plummeting, economic stability measures, such as importing sheep and adjusting taxes, are essential to support the population, particularly low-income families, during these challenging times.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
