2024: A Fruitful Year for Algeria’s Agricultural Sector

Published on: Wednesday, January 1, 2025, 3:52 PM
Category: Economy

Algeria’s agricultural sector experienced an exceptional surge in 2024, driven by strategic initiatives and ambitious projects aimed at boosting national production. Key areas of focus included cereal and dairy production, with the ultimate goal of enhancing food security and achieving greater self-sufficiency.

Record-Breaking Achievements in Agriculture

Under the guidance of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, numerous agricultural projects were launched across the country. These efforts highlighted the Algerian government’s commitment to this vital sector, which succeeded in ensuring the availability of agricultural products despite recent challenges.

Agriculture accounted for a remarkable $37 billion in production value in 2024, ranking second after hydrocarbons in GDP contribution (15%). As a key job-creating sector, agriculture benefited from substantial government support through various measures, including:

• Increased Subsidies: Higher purchase prices for cereals and legumes from farmers.
• Fertilizer Support: A 50% subsidy on fertilizers to mitigate global market price increases.
• Infrastructure Enhancements: Thousands of farms and agricultural areas connected to the national electricity grid.

Strategic Partnerships for Agricultural Growth

The government prioritized partnerships with global conglomerates, especially in southern regions rich in agricultural potential.

1. Agreement with Italian Group “Bonifiche Ferraresi” (BF):
   In July 2024, an agreement was signed to develop an integrated project for cereals, legumes, and pasta production in Timimoun.
   • Project Details:
     • Total area: 36,000 hectares.
     • Products: Wheat, lentils, dry beans, chickpeas, pasta, and storage facilities.
     • Investment: €420 million.
     • Job Creation: 6,700 jobs (1,600 permanent).
   • Objectives: Boost national grain and legume production, expand exports, and reduce dependence on hydrocarbon revenues.
2. Partnership with Qatar’s “Baladna”:
   In April 2024, an agreement was reached to establish an integrated dairy and cattle farming project in Adrar.
   • Project Details:
     • Total area: 117,000 hectares.
     • Facilities: Farms for cereals, fodder, cattle, milk, meat, and powdered milk production.
     • Investment: $3.5 billion.
     • Job Creation: 5,000 direct jobs.
   • Outcomes:
     • 50% of Algeria’s powdered milk needs met domestically.
     • Support for the local market with red meat.
     • Introduction of infant formula production in Adrar.

Expanding Cultivated Areas

As part of Algeria’s agricultural strategy, significant efforts were directed toward expanding cultivated land, particularly in southern regions, for critical crops such as durum wheat, corn, and oilseeds. This included:

• Irrigation Projects: Reclaiming 1 million hectares of land for cultivation.
• Self-Sufficiency Goals: Achieving full independence in corn, barley, and durum wheat production.

Agricultural Census

From May 19 to July 27, 2024, Algeria conducted its third General Agricultural Census. Preliminary results revealed over 230,000 new agricultural enterprises since the last census in 2001. These findings underscore the progress in land reclamation and investment in the sector.

A Strategic Vision for the Future

Through state-driven initiatives and global partnerships, Algeria’s agricultural sector continues to evolve, laying the foundation for sustainable growth, increased exports, and strengthened food security. The year 2024 marked a milestone in this journey, reaffirming agriculture’s pivotal role in Algeria’s economic diversification and resilience.

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Author: Nor-Eleslam