Adrar mega-farm targets 100,000 tons powdered milk yearly
Algeria is advancing the construction of a significant dairy mega-farm in the Sahara, an estimated $3.5 billion investment designed to enhance national food security. Located in the Adrar province, this integrated project aims to produce up to 100,000 tons of powdered milk annually. The venture is co-financed by Algeria’s National Investment Fund and the Qatari company Baladna Q.P.S.C., with production slated to commence by the end of 2027 and full implementation occurring gradually. This ambitious initiative is projected to supply approximately 50% of Algeria's powdered milk requirements, thereby substantially reducing the country’s reliance on imports.
The mega-farm is planned to house 270,000 cows and dedicate 117,000 hectares to irrigated agricultural activities, primarily for cultivating forage to feed the vast herd. This integrated approach, encompassing forage production, animal husbandry, milking, and industrial milk processing within a single system, is a cornerstone of the project. The phased implementation is already underway, including the transport of an initial batch of 30,000 Dutch cows from the United States to Algeria. Contracts exceeding $635 million have been signed during the second phase of the development, underscoring the substantial progress.
To sustain operations in the desert environment, the project will feature advanced infrastructure, including center pivot irrigation systems powered by 50 generators, ensuring continuous water distribution over agricultural areas. This setup will support round-the-clock irrigation, vital for reliable forage production. The establishment of this large-scale domestic production capability aims to decrease Algeria's exposure to international price fluctuations and logistical disruptions, further stabilizing national supplies. The powdered milk, once processed, can be stored and distributed over longer periods than fresh milk, contributing to sustained availability across the nation.
