La superficie totale des périmètres irrigués à travers le pays sera portée à 3 millions d’hectares
Summary of the Agriculture Sector Developments in Mila, Algeria
On a recent visit to Mila, Youcef Cherfa, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fishing, announced ambitious plans to expand the country’s irrigated agricultural land from the current 2.1 million hectares to 3 million hectares in the coming years. He emphasized this growth as a critical component of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s vision for the agriculture sector.
Cherfa underscored the importance of thoughtful planning in creating new irrigated areas. His ministry is actively working to connect some of these zones to wastewater treatment stations, allowing for the safe reuse of water to irrigate crops like cereals and fruit trees. The minister also spotlighted strategic crops essential to Algeria’s food security, such as oilseeds and legumes, pointing to the need for increased cultivation of these crops and their integration into the main agricultural cycle.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting farmers by connecting agricultural lands to electricity and ensuring a reliable water supply for irrigation, thereby boosting agricultural productivity across various sectors. A key focus will be on staple crops, particularly potatoes, which must remain available year-round.
Addressing the concerns of dairy farmers, Cherfa noted that outstanding debts from the government’s support program for milk prices, which have not been resolved since last year, will be settled by the end of May 2025. This assurance aims to provide relief to dairy farmers, ensuring their continued participation in national milk production efforts.
During his visit, Cherfa laid the foundation for a new strategic grain silo in the Larbi area of Chelghoum Laïd, which will have the capacity to store 100,000 tons of cereals. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance the storage capacities in Mila, an area recognized for its diverse cereal production.
Furthermore, the minister inspected local integrated aquaculture agricultural operations in Ouled Khelouf and M’chira and was scheduled to visit other productive agricultural units in Oued Athmania and Oued Seggane.
In summary, Minister Youcef Cherfa’s initiatives underscore a significant shift towards strengthening Algeria’s agricultural infrastructure, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable practices through innovative irrigation and effective resource management. The government’s proactive approach aims to support farmers and develop the agriculture sector to meet the growing demands of the population while ensuring environmental sustainability. Cherfa’s visits and announcements signal a transformative period for agriculture in Algeria, fostering an environment conducive to growth, productivity, and food self-sufficiency.
