This call for projects is part of the implementation of support measures for the pilot operation of melkization of collective land located in the irrigation perimeters of Gharb and Haouz, deployed under the activity “rural land” under the “Compact II” cooperation program, concluded between the governments of Morocco and the United States, represented by Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
In line with the objectives of the new agricultural development strategy “Generation-Green 2020-2030” and launched pursuant to the partnership agreement, concluded on November 07, 2019, between the Millennium Challenge Account-Morocco Agency (MCA-Morocco ) and the National Office of Agricultural Council (ONCA), this call for projects aims to promote an innovative and inclusive approach to agricultural entrepreneurship aimed at the economic empowerment of women and young people living off the land and/or having with her.
This call for projects is aimed at agricultural associations and cooperatives, with a preference for women’s organizations or those with young people aged 15 to 45 among their members.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Sadiki noted that the melkization of collective land is a lever to solve many constraints that the agricultural sector faces in terms of land development.
It is also part of the application of the high guidelines of King Mohammed VI, who called for making collective land a lever for economic and social development in rural areas in general and for the activity of melkisation free of charge in the benefit of the rights holders of the collective lands located inside the irrigated perimeter in particular, he added.
For his part, the Director General of ONCA, Jaouad Bahaji noted that these 15 projects are the result of a meticulous selection process at the level of four provinces, and which this partnership will allow to mature by federating the efforts of all .
Aware of the importance of these projects and the heaviness of their consistency, ONCA will provide pre-creation and post-creation support in order to strengthen the capacities of project leaders and contribute to the success of this partnership, Mr. Bahaji added.
For her part, the resident director of MCC in Morocco, Carrie Monahan, indicated in a statement to the press that this is a very important milestone in the collaboration with the Moroccan government.
People in rural areas, endowed with talent and potential, can be a lever for the Moroccan economy, she said.
The director general of the MCA-Morocco agency, Malika Laasri noted, for her part, in a declaration to MAP, that these projects will make it possible to support young people and women living in these lands and who, with these projects, will enhance them.
These projects will make it possible to generate 27,000 working days per year and improve the profitability and income of farmers who are established on site, said Ms. Laasri.
Totaling a budget of 20.5 million dirhams (MDH) and 76% subsidized thanks to the support of “Compact II” (15.6 MDH), these projects concern the provinces of Kenitra (4 projects), Sidi Slimane and Sidi Kacem (3 projects each) and El Kelâa des Sraghnas (5 projects).
These projects cover various areas, including services, olive growing, milk processing, agro-ecology, agro-tourism, snail farming, cultivation of avocado and market garden products and the marketing of legumes and aromatic and medicinal plants.
The 15 projects selected following a rigorous process of evaluation and pre-creation support are carried out by cooperatives, which will benefit from technical and financial support aimed at improving their production systems and developing and strengthen their economic activities in connection with the agricultural sector.