✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | June 29th, 2024 — The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Youcef Cherfa, announced on Thursday that Algeria is set to achieve self-sufficiency in durum wheat by 2027. This ambitious goal is part of the National Strategic Crop Development Plan, which seeks to bolster the country’s agricultural output and ensure food security.
Major Investments in Storage Infrastructure
During a field visit to the Tindouf province, accompanied by the Minister of Water Resources, Taha Derbal, Minister Cherfa revealed a comprehensive plan to support Algeria’s drive towards self-sufficiency. Starting next week, the Ministry of Agriculture will oversee the construction of 30 grain storage silos, with a combined capacity of 30 million quintals. This infrastructure investment is crucial for achieving and sustaining the goal of complete self-sufficiency in durum wheat by 2027.
Enhancing Strategic Crop Yields through International Partnerships
Minister Cherfa underscored the importance of the new investment law, which facilitates partnerships with foreign companies. These collaborations are expected to introduce advanced technology and expertise to Algeria, significantly boosting yields in strategic crops, including durum wheat.
Transforming Pilot Farms into Production Units
In line with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s program, efforts are underway to convert pilot farms into fully operational production units. This transformation is part of a broader strategy to diversify and increase agricultural output. Notably, Algeria plans to plant approximately 3,000 hectares of argan trees this season, positioning the country to become a significant producer of argan oil in the future.
Successful Agricultural Production in Southern Regions
Minister Cherfa expressed satisfaction with the current agricultural output, particularly in southern regions such as Adrar, Timimoune, Illizi, Ghardaïa, and El Ménea. The success in these areas has prompted plans to expand cereal production areas to nearly 500,000 hectares, aiming to establish a strategic reserve in the Saharan zones.
Financial Gains and Future Goals
In his presentation at the latest Council of Ministers meeting, Minister Cherfa highlighted a substantial harvest of durum wheat this year, generating $1.2 billion in savings for the national treasury. He emphasized that Algeria is nearing total self-sufficiency in durum wheat.
President Tebboune affirmed that achieving full self-sufficiency is now within reach, noting that 80% of the wheat produced in Algeria is durum wheat, which is traditionally produced and consumed locally. Given its limited availability on international markets compared to soft wheat, focusing on durum wheat is strategically advantageous.
Strategic Expansion and Investments
The President set a strategic goal to expand cultivated areas in the southern regions to 500,000 hectares. This includes investments from Qatar on 117,000 hectares, Italy on 36,000 hectares, and national investments on 120,000 hectares.
New Storage and Electrification Projects
In Tindouf, Minister Cherfa laid the foundation stone for a new local grain storage complex with a capacity of 5,000 tonnes. He also inaugurated a project to connect 199 agricultural operations to the electrical grid in the Oued el Mahia area, 23 km from the provincial capital. This project, with a budget of 40 million DA, is expected to be completed within 45 days.
Promoting Local Agricultural Products and Investment
The ministerial delegation visited various pavilions at a local agricultural products fair and inspected an integrated poultry and egg production complex, which meets 60% of the province’s needs. Minister Cherfa emphasized the importance of encouraging and supporting such investments.
Progress in National Agricultural Census
Minister Cherfa reported that the ongoing General Agricultural Census (RGA), which runs until July 17, has achieved a 61% completion rate. This demonstrates the continuous commitment of farmers and livestock breeders to this initiative, which is essential for assessing the country’s agricultural capacity and planning future development programs.
By combining strategic planning, international partnerships, and substantial investments in infrastructure and technology, Algeria is poised to significantly boost its agricultural sector, ensuring food security and economic growth for the future.
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