Rice farmers warn of agricultural collapse from imports

Abdel-Karim Al-Hamini, the Secretary-General of the National Pantropical Rice Federation in Morocco, expressed his concern over the repercussions of increasing rice imports on the national production. During this year, the Moroccan market imported approximately 72,000 tons of imported rice from Egypt and India, which is more than the local production by 30%. This has led to difficulties for Moroccan industrial units in marketing their products at prices that ensure a profit margin, threatening market balance and reducing their capacity to receive the upcoming harvest, thereby harming small farmers who rely on rice sales for a decent income. Al-Hamini called for greater protection of domestic products, noting that protective measures for rice have been halted due to the Ministry of Finance’s refusal to approve an increase in customs duties, despite calls and protests from industry stakeholders. The rice sector holds significant economic and social importance, providing livelihoods for farmers, boosting economic activity in producing regions, and playing a role in livestock feed after harvest. He urged the government to develop a clear plan to ensure the continuity of rice cultivation or to announce alternative agricultural options in case maintaining this sector becomes impossible.

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