The rehabilitation of hydro-agricultural infrastructure, the maintenance of Seguias, the creation and equipment of water points, the construction of agricultural tracks and anti-erosion structures are among the actions implemented at the provincial level. .
This program aims, in fact, to rehabilitate agricultural infrastructures through, among other things, the fight against erosion, landslides and sliding phenomena, the strengthening of agricultural economic infrastructures by carrying out development and equipment of recovery units and cooperative premises.
Emphasis is also placed on the reconstitution of agricultural production capital and the revival of animal sectors, through the reconstitution of livestock (distribution of livestock to disaster victims), the distribution of livestock feed and the implementation of solidarity agriculture projects and other income-generating activities.
In a statement to MAP, the head of the agricultural sector development division at the Souss-Massa Regional agricultural Development Office, Lahcen Jaby, stressed that the 2023 earthquake particularly affected agricultural infrastructure. , the irrigation network and the agricultural and livestock production chains.
The implementation of the emergency program, he said, contributed to the revitalization and development of affected agricultural activity, in particular through the relaunch of animal sectors, the distribution of barley free of charge. to affected breeders and the rehabilitation of hydro-agricultural infrastructure.
This emergency plan also focused on opening up farms and plots of land through the rehabilitation and construction of agricultural tracks, along with the upgrading of local product development units, he said. he explained.
For his part, Mohamed Al Mansouri, farmer in the commune of Sidi Ouaaziz (province of Taroudant), expressed his great satisfaction with the emergency measures taken by the supervisory ministry to mitigate the effects of this disaster. natural in the agricultural sector.
Same story with Abdelmalek Bazi, associative actor and farmer in the commune of Talgjount, who welcomed the continuous improvement of agricultural activity in the province of Taroudant, thanks to the multiple projects carried out within the framework of the emergency program, the efforts of the parties concerned and the support provided to farmers.
What specific challenges does the agricultural sector face after natural disasters like earthquakes?
Rehabilitating Agricultural Infrastructure: An Interview wiht Lahcen Jaby
Editor of Time.news: Today, we’re joined by Lahcen Jaby, the head of the agricultural sector advancement division at the Souss-Massa Regional Agricultural Development Office. Welcome, Lahcen, and thank you for speaking with us.
lahcen Jaby: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss our recent initiatives.
Editor: The recent earthquake has had devastating effects on agricultural infrastructure. Can you elaborate on the specific challenges faced by the irrigation network and agricultural production chains?
Lahcen Jaby: Absolutely. The earthquake significantly disrupted our irrigation networks, which are crucial for maintaining agricultural productivity. it also impacted livestock production chains, making it challenging to provide the necessary resources for farmers. Our focus has been on creating a robust emergency program to address these issues effectively.
Editor: Speaking of the emergency program, what specific measures have been implemented to rehabilitate agricultural infrastructure?
Lahcen Jaby: We are undertaking several actions to rehabilitate hydro-agricultural infrastructures, which include maintaining Seguias, establishing water points, and constructing agricultural tracks. Additionally, we are addressing erosion and landslides to ensure the longevity and resilience of our agricultural systems.
Editor: That’s insightful. how are you supporting farmers during this recovery process?
Lahcen Jaby: We emphasize the reconstitution of agricultural production capital. This includes distributing livestock and feed to affected farmers. We also promote projects in solidarity agriculture and other income-generating activities, which are essential for reviving the animal sectors and supporting our farmers’ livelihoods.
Editor: We’ve heard positive feedback from farmers like Mohamed Al Mansouri and Abdelmalek Bazi regarding the emergency measures. Can you speak about the community’s response to these initiatives?
lahcen Jaby: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Farmers appreciate the government efforts to mitigate the disaster’s effects. With support from various stakeholders,we’re witnessing a continuous improvement in agricultural activity through our programs. It’s essential to foster this collaboration for sustainable recovery.
Editor: Looking at the long-term implications, how do these rehabilitation efforts align with broader agricultural development goals in the region?
Lahcen Jaby: These rehabilitation efforts are integral to our long-term strategy. by revamping the agricultural sector and ensuring that infrastructure is resilient to future disasters, we can enhance productivity and economic stability in the region. It also lays the groundwork for sustainable agricultural practices.
Editor: What practical advice would you give to farmers and stakeholders involved in agricultural activities regarding future preparedness?
lahcen Jaby: My advice would be to stay engaged with local agricultural development initiatives and undergo training to adopt sustainable practices. Building a strong community network and advocating for cooperative support can make a significant difference in resilience. Always be prepared for emergencies through contingency planning.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your valuable insights, Lahcen. It’s clear that while challenges abound, your proactive measures are paving the way for a resilient agricultural future in our region.
Lahcen jaby: Thank you.Together, we can overcome these challenges and build a stronger agricultural system for everyone.