King Mohammed VI of Morocco has urged citizens to refrain from the traditional slaughtering of sheep during Eid al-Adha this year due to a severe drought that has significantly reduced the country’s livestock.
The request was made in a message read on his behalf by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Ahmed Taoufiq, on state television Al Oula.
Eid al-Adha, which takes place in June, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son at God's command. Muslims traditionally slaughter sheep or goats to mark the occasion, sharing the meat with family members and donating it to the less fortunate. However, Morocco’s cattle and sheep populations have dropped by 38% since the last census in 2016, primarily due to the ongoing droughts.
This decline has put immense strain on livestock numbers in the country, leading to shortages.
The King’s statement emphasized the need to consider the country’s climatic and economic challenges.
"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," King Mohammed VI stated.
He further noted that performing the ritual "under these difficult circumstances will cause significant harm to large segments of our people, especially those with limited income."
Morocco has experienced a 53% decrease in rainfall this year compared to the average over the last three decades, resulting in reduced pasture availability for livestock and a drop in meat production. As a result, meat prices have risen sharply, and the country has increased imports of live cattle, sheep, and red meat to meet demand.
Recently, Morocco signed an agreement to import up to 100,000 sheep from Australia to help address the shortage.
In an effort to stabilize domestic meat prices, Morocco’s 2025 budget has suspended import duties and value-added taxes (VAT) on cattle, sheep, camels, and red meat.
These measures are intended to ease the financial burden on Moroccan families and ensure food security during the ongoing drought.
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