The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries, Yacine Mahdi Walid, revealed on Thursday in Blida that his ministry has prepared an “ambitious program” to gradually phase out the import of seeds and seedlings to ensure food security and reduce the import bill.
In a press statement on the sidelines of a working and inspection visit to the province of Blida, accompanied by the provincial governor, Jamal Eddine Hassas, the Minister explained that within the framework of ensuring the country’s food security, an “ambitious program has been prepared to gradually reduce the import of seeds and seedlings, especially for vegetables.”
He added that one of his ministry’s priorities is the integration of technology into the agricultural sector, particularly regarding the local production of seeds and seedlings to gradually eliminate imports and move toward exporting them. He also noted preparations to establish a seed production hub between the provinces of Ghardaia and El Menia.
The Minister highlighted the impact of this new direction on reducing production costs and increasing export competitiveness by implementing investments based on technology and scientific research in agricultural activities to achieve food security.
He also revealed work on developing several other agricultural sectors for fruit varieties, such as the production of banana seedlings.
