Saffron Cultivation Grows to Over 58 Hectares in Algeria
Algeria's saffron cultivation sector is undergoing significant expansion and structuring, with current data indicating over 222 producers actively cultivating more than 58 hectares across the country. This development is part of a national strategy launched on September 1, 2025, by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries. The initiative aims to transition saffron from a niche crop to a key contributor to agricultural diversification and economic value creation, extending its reach from the High Plateaus to arid and Saharan regions like Ghardaïa and Béchar, where it demonstrates adaptability and water-efficient potential.
A pivotal innovation supporting this growth is a specialized storage device developed by the Centre for Research in Semiconductor Technology for Energy (CRTSE). This advanced system addresses critical challenges previously faced by producers, such as premature bulb germination, crop deterioration, and losses due to rodent activity. The CRTSE's device facilitates rapid drying of saffron stigmas and ensures optimal preservation of bulbs during their dormancy period, from summer harvest to autumn planting. It achieves this by maintaining a controlled environment within a positive cold chamber, with temperatures between 5°C and 8°C, relative humidity from 65% to 75%, and consistent air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Promising pilot tests of this equipment have been conducted at the National Higher School of Agriculture (ENSA).
The expanding saffron sector offers substantial economic benefits, including high profitability on small cultivated areas compared to traditional food crops. It also enables the valorization of arid, semi-arid, and mountainous lands through its relatively low water consumption. Furthermore, saffron cultivation is a source of rural employment, particularly for women during harvesting and pruning activities. With the global saffron market experiencing sustained growth of 6-8% annually, Algeria's efforts to increase production, enhance quality, and structure the sector through cooperatives and local processing units are geared towards securing its place in international markets and building a credible "Safran d’Algérie" identity.
