“Green Morocco” Plan Criticized for Failing to Ensure Affordable Agricultural Products for Moroccans
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The Democratic Confederation of Labor in Morocco has voiced concerns about the “Green Morocco” plan, stating that its true assessment should be linked to the extent to which Moroccans benefit from agricultural products at reasonable prices. Unfortunately, the prices of these products have experienced unprecedented hikes in recent years.
In a parliamentary session, the union’s parliamentary advisor, Khaliha Al-Kirsh, criticized the soaring prices of vegetables, fruits, and the acute shortage of milk and meat, which now exceed 100 Moroccan dirhams. The union emphasized the need for affordable essential food items during the holy month of Ramadan, considering the purchasing power of Moroccans.
The union questioned the success of the “Green Morocco” plan, which aimed to enhance agricultural productivity and improve the well-being of citizens. It accused the plan of neglecting domestic market needs, focusing on exports, and reducing subsistence farming. The union called on the government to take urgent action to address the escalating situation by implementing tangible decisions that reflect the social responsibilities of the state.
The “Green Morocco” plan, according to the union, encouraged water-intensive crops at a time when the country faces water scarcity. Moreover, it failed to achieve its primary goal of improving the conditions of small farmers, increasing their purchasing power, and establishing a middle-class farming community. Instead, it exacerbated social inequalities, with large-scale farmers being the primary beneficiaries of subsidies. The plan also fell short in addressing marketing problems and reducing reliance on intermediaries.
Parliamentarian Nabila Mounib from the Unified Socialist Party added that the “Green Morocco” plan contributed to the worsening water crisis in the country. She emphasized the need for a new strategy to manage water scarcity due to decreased rainfall and a severe lack of water resources.
Mounib pointed out that the difficult water situation, reflected in the sharp decline in dam reserves and natural springs, requires clear policy changes related to water management. She argued that the “Green Morocco” plan, initiated in 2008, significantly worsened the water crisis by depleting groundwater and focusing agricultural production on exports.
The parliamentarian questioned whether regional multi-sectoral companies could be a solution, particularly as they sparked protests in some areas. She raised concerns that the protests might spread to other regions.
Mounib called for a review of the costly dam policy and a redirection of the budget towards desalination plants. Spain, for example, has 700 such plants, while Morocco has only nine operational and 12 under construction.
She stressed the importance of the state reclaiming its role in water management and ensuring the right to water for everyone.
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