Agriculture Minister Youcef Cherfa Unveils Ambitious 2024-2025 Action Plan to Transform Algerian Agriculture
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In his recent presentation before the Agricultural, Fisheries, and Environmental Protection Commission of the People’s National Assembly (APN), Youcef Cherfa, appointed as the head of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in late November 2023, outlined his robust action plan for the years 2024-2025. The plan, aimed at achieving rapid and effective results, emphasizes key objectives related to the expansion of production bases and logistical structures.
The cornerstone of the 2024-2025 action plan is the implementation of prioritized programs designed to bolster food security and reduce imports. Cherfa underlined the commitment to increase cereal cultivation to 3 million hectares, a move intended to fortify national food security. To incentivize farmers towards cereal cultivation, the minister highlighted measures taken in line with the historic decisions of the President, including the deferred payment of concession-related fees and a three-year postponement of agricultural credit repayments, with the state covering the interest. Additionally, support for farmers affected by climatic uncertainties includes free provision of seeds and fertilizers.
Cherfa stressed the current mobilization of human and material resources during the ongoing plowing and sowing campaign, emphasizing farmers’ commitments to deliver their cereal and seed harvests to regional offices.
A key focus for the minister is the comprehensive supervision of production systems by technical institutes and specialized centers. The plan advocates for modern methods to enhance both the quantity and quality of cereal production, along with the development of a program to increase cereal storage capacity to 9 million tonnes, establishing a long-term strategic reserve.
Expanding the Pulse Crop Sector
The plan also seeks to develop the pulse crop sector by increasing the cultivated area in 2024 to 150,000 hectares, aiming to meet national needs, particularly for lentils and chickpeas. To encourage participation, Cherfa announced the revision of the purchase price for pulse crops to 20,000 DZD per quintal, up from the previous 15,000 DZD.
New mechanisms have been introduced to support industrial agriculture, with plans to plant 45,000 hectares of oilseed crops. In 2024, the scheduled planting of resilient fruit trees will be completed, involving 1.4 million plants with a financial coverage of 2.4 billion dinars.
Cherfa highlighted upcoming initiatives, including the launch of a program to plant one million olive and palm trees, supported by incentives for farmers. The red meat sector is set for urgent intervention to enhance the industry, focusing on health measures and providing subsidized forage.
Furthermore, the minister outlined plans for advancing the poultry sector in coordination with all stakeholders. In the dairy sector, a production unit with a capacity of one million liters per day (Giplait Rouiba dairy complex) is set to be inaugurated, accompanied by the expansion of breeding structures. Strategic stockpiling will be enforced, reinforcing the roles of supervising bodies to achieve a 12-month coverage capacity.
Continuation of Ongoing Programs
In 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture aims to extend electricity to 10,577 agricultural farms covering 9,082 km, expand irrigated areas from 1.5 to 1.6 million hectares through the reuse of treated wastewater, optimize agricultural land use, digitize strategic stock databases, and develop digital platforms for the benefit of farmers and investors. Additionally, the rehabilitation of the green dam project is on the agenda, reflecting a holistic approach towards sustainable agricultural development.
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