In preparation for the upcoming Eid al-Adha celebrations, Algeria is undertaking a significant initiative to import one million heads of sheep. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Yacine Oualid, recently chaired a coordination meeting focused on implementing directives from the President regarding this large-scale livestock import.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture, the meeting emphasized learning from the 2025 Eid al-Adha experience to enhance performance, address previous shortcomings, and ensure a well-organized operation this season. Key decisions were made to streamline the process and guarantee a smooth supply of livestock for the holiday.
A primary outcome of the meeting was the decision to expand the list of countries from which Algeria imports livestock. This will be coupled with the establishment of new health agreements with these nations. Furthermore, specialized vessels for transporting livestock will be chartered to ensure animal welfare and adherence to established standards.
Technical teams will be dispatched immediately to exporting countries to verify health guarantees and breeding conditions. The number of quarantine points will be doubled compared to last year to expedite procedures and ensure veterinary safety. This proactive measure aims to prevent the spread of diseases and safeguard public health.
To improve logistical efficiency, the private sector will be involved in transporting livestock from ports to various regions across the country. New mechanisms will also be introduced to regulate the sales process, promoting transparency and facilitating distribution. The goal is to ensure that citizens have access to affordable and healthy livestock for the Eid celebrations.
The meeting concluded with the formation of a national committee comprising the general secretaries of various relevant sectors. This committee will be responsible for overseeing the entire implementation of the operation, monitoring all stages until the livestock reaches citizens in optimal condition.
