Algiers, January 20, 2026 – Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Yacine El Mahdi Oualid, emphasized the significant impact of recent measures approved by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune regarding agricultural mechanization on the sector’s productivity. The Minister’s remarks came during a study day focused on integrating scientific research findings into the development of cereal and dry legume sectors, organized by the Algerian Interprofessional Cereals Office in Algiers.
Minister Oualid highlighted the close link between mechanization and productivity, stating that the President’s attention to this issue underscores its national importance. He noted that widespread adoption of mechanization would help minimize significant losses in production. Recent studies indicate that between 10% and 20% of cereal production is lost each harvest season due to delayed operations or the use of inadequate technologies and equipment.
“These measures will have a considerable impact, given the direct correlation between mechanization and productivity,” the Minister stated. He further emphasized that modernizing agriculture is a top priority for the sector, as it’s the only way to improve productivity and address the challenge of food security.
Oualid also pointed out that the average Algerian consumes 218 kg of cereals per year, compared to a global average of 65 kg. This necessitates the adoption of modern techniques to ensure sustainable production in the sector, aiming to increase land yields from the current 15 quintals per hectare to 30 quintals per hectare. The Minister also announced plans to establish laboratories, in coordination with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, to analyze fertilizer composition and ensure compliance with necessary standards throughout the current year.
