National cereal production set for 2026 record of 5 million tons

Algeria is projected to achieve an exceptional cereal harvest of approximately 5 million tons in 2026, positioning it as one of the best outcomes recorded in recent years. This forecast indicates the largest cereal crop for the nation since 2019, representing an increase of nearly 30 percent compared to the average production. Such a robust performance is poised to significantly enhance national food security and support the country's strategic cereal sector.

The anticipated success is attributed to several key factors, including more favorable climatic conditions, notably increased rainfall in various producing regions, and the expansion of irrigated land use. Complementary irrigation has played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of climatic fluctuations during sensitive crop growth stages. Furthermore, advancements in production methods, improved mechanization, and the deployment of thousands of harvesters have streamlined operations, reducing field losses and improving efficiency during the harvest campaign. This has also led to an estimated 17 percent rise in wheat yield and a substantial 55 percent increase in barley yield compared to the past five-year average.

Provincial agricultural outcomes further underscore this positive national trajectory. Tissemsilt province, for instance, reported a collection of 516,400 quintals of various cereals during its recent harvest, more than doubling the previous season's output. This achievement was supported by the operationalization of six new grain storage centers, each with a 50,000-quintal capacity, enhancing preservation and accessibility for farmers. Similarly, Medea province achieved a record collection exceeding 1.3 million quintals of wheat varieties and barley for the 2025/2026 agricultural season, reflecting the concerted efforts of authorities, farmers, and sector professionals to boost national agricultural output.