BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | November 26th, 2024 — In a momentous ceremony held on Tuesday at the Abdelatif Rahal International Conference Center (CIC), President Abdelmadjid Tebboune presided over the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the National Union of Algerian Farmers (UNPA). The event, marked by solemnity and forward-looking vision, emphasized the critical role of agriculture in national development and Algeria’s strategic commitment to ensuring food security.
The ceremony commenced with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran and the rendition of the national anthem, setting a tone of reverence and patriotism. High-ranking state officials, government members, senior executives, and representatives of Algeria’s farming community gathered under the unifying slogan, “Dedication, Development, Prosperity,” to commemorate five decades of the UNPA’s contributions to the agricultural sector.
Food Security as a Pillar of National Strategy
In his address, President Tebboune underscored the paramount importance of food security in an increasingly volatile global context. “Algeria has positioned food security as a strategic imperative that must be achieved,” he declared, emphasizing that the global weaponization of food supplies necessitates a robust and self-sufficient agricultural sector.
President Tebboune highlighted the need for modernization and the adoption of advanced technologies to unlock the full potential of Algeria’s agricultural wealth. He reiterated the country’s commitment to empowering rural communities and enhancing agricultural productivity through innovation and sustainable practices. “Modernizing our agriculture and investing in rural development are not mere goals; they are strategic necessities,” he stated.
A Celebration of Resilience and Progress
The ceremony also featured a documentary chronicling the UNPA’s pivotal role in Algeria’s agricultural evolution since its inception in 1974. The film showcased milestones in empowering farmers, promoting rural development, and contributing to the nation’s self-reliance.
President Tebboune’s arrival at the CIC was met with resounding applause from the assembled guests, reflecting the deep respect and appreciation for his leadership in championing the agricultural sector. The event served as a platform for acknowledging the dedication of Algeria’s farmers and reiterating their vital role in building a resilient and thriving nation.
The 50th-anniversary celebration was not only a reflection on past achievements but also a call to action. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, leveraging modern agricultural techniques, and prioritizing sustainability, Algeria aims to solidify its position as a regional leader in food security.
The full text of the speech:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and may peace and blessings be upon the noblest of Messengers, his family, and companions until the Day of Judgment.
Mr. Speaker of the Council of the Nation,
Mr. Speaker of the People’s National Assembly,
Mr. Prime Minister,
Mr. President of the Constitutional Court,
Ladies and gentlemen, members of the government,
My sisters and brothers in agriculture,
May peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.
Today, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the National Union of Algerian Farmers, coinciding with the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Glorious Liberation Revolution. This occasion serves as a reminder of the sacrifices of our rural and pastoral communities, their unyielding spirit, and their noble contributions to Algeria’s honor. It is a tribute to the tireless and honorable work of those who have tilled our land, fostering resilience and pride deeply rooted in this great nation of glory and resistance. To every laborer of the land, we extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation for the blessings they provide.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Our nation has made food security an unwavering strategic priority that we must achieve in a world where food has become one of the most potent and influential weapons. Allow me, at the outset of this speech, to commend the invaluable efforts of Algerian farmers. During the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, they demonstrated remarkable national spirit and a profound understanding of the stakes at hand. Their dedication ensured the supply of agricultural products at a time when the global community faced a crippling shortage of essential goods. Their triumph was supported by the state, which provided them with assistance and encouraged producers, investors, and stakeholders committed to advancing the nation’s agricultural potential and achieving sustainable food security—a cornerstone of our national security.
Building on this foundation, I have consistently emphasized the strategic importance of embracing modernization and harnessing advanced technologies to elevate agriculture and rural development. Algeria possesses immense agricultural potential, which we must capitalize on to increase production levels, reducing dependency on oil revenues and transitioning to sustainable alternatives.
Today, I take this opportunity to reiterate the significant measures and decisions we have implemented and are diligently pursuing on the ground, including:
- Increasing the support prices for grains and legumes purchased from farmers.
- Raising the subsidy rate for fertilizers to 50% of their reference price, to mitigate the impact of soaring international costs.
- Electrifying tens of thousands of farms and agricultural perimeters.
The goal of these initiatives has been to support farmers, encourage the younger generation of agricultural engineers, and promote small and emerging enterprises that we rely on to spearhead the modernization of agriculture. This effort aims to achieve self-sufficiency in key strategic crops in the short term, particularly in durum wheat, yellow corn, and barley.
On this occasion, I express my satisfaction with the growing awareness within the sector about these challenges. I reaffirm the vital role of grain cultivation in our agricultural strategy, given the high levels of domestic consumption and the instability of global markets. I reiterate the directives to expand our storage capacity and to accelerate the implementation of the national program in this regard.
As you know, I had previously pledged to reclaim one million hectares of irrigated land—particularly in the South—by 2027. This initiative aims to increase the areas dedicated to strategic crops, such as durum wheat, yellow corn, and oilseed plants. Opportunities remain open for both national and foreign investors to participate in this endeavor and benefit from the incentives offered to realize their projects.
This ambitious path underscores our firm commitment to bolstering food security and fostering a self-reliant agricultural sector that stands as a pillar of Algeria’s national sovereignty and economic resilience.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I have always emphasized the critical importance of digitization and precise data collection as foundational pillars for shaping developmental policies. In this regard, I mandated the implementation of the third General Agricultural Census in the history of the sector. We now eagerly await the preliminary results, which will serve as a cornerstone for saving time and effort to actualize our vision of advancing the agricultural sector and harnessing its potential to achieve the highest levels of self-sufficiency.
I firmly believe that our farmers have the capability to achieve the desired outcomes in the near future, particularly in terms of self-reliance and food security. On this 50th anniversary of the esteemed National Union of Algerian Farmers, I call upon farmers, herders, and all stakeholders to further mobilize in the field. I am confident in their unwavering bond with our sacred and bountiful land, as well as their awareness of the challenges that lie ahead.
To our ambitious youth, who are turning their sights toward investment in agriculture across its diverse branches, I extend my heartfelt encouragement. We rely on their vigor, expertise, and specialization in agricultural sciences and techniques to spearhead a broad agricultural renaissance that reflects the immense capabilities and potential of Algeria—a nation endowed by God with all the attributes of a promising and rising power.
Long live Algeria.
Glory and eternal honor to our righteous martyrs.
Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.
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