Algiers – On the occasion of World Food Day, observed annually on October 16, Algeria reaffirmed its commitment to food security as a central pillar in its economic and social development strategies. This message was conveyed by Hamid Ben Saad, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, during a ceremony held at the National Chamber of Agriculture in Algiers.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture under the theme “The Right to a Better Life and Future – Leave No One Behind”, was attended by representatives from various sectors. Among the participants were the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Fisheries and Fishery Products, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Trade and Export Promotion, the representative of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Algeria, as well as officials from national organizations.
In his speech, Ben Saad emphasized the Algerian government’s commitment to sustainable agricultural and rural development by focusing on strategic crops such as wheat (both hard and soft), legumes, dairy products, meat, and oilseeds. He reiterated that Algeria aims to achieve self-sufficiency in hard wheat by 2025 and barley by 2026, while also expanding the cultivation of corn and legumes.
Multi-sector Collaboration to Bolster Food Security
During the event, Mohamed Ben Garina, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Fisheries, highlighted the importance of intersectoral coordination to enhance food security. He mentioned efforts to boost marine production and develop aquaculture in both freshwater and marine environments.
The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Trade and Export Promotion, Hadi Bekir, emphasized the need to ensure both the availability and safety of food products. He praised the ministry’s legal measures aimed at consumer protection and the encouragement of investments in the food industry.
FAO’s Support and Algeria’s Agricultural Potential
Irina Kouplevatskaya-Betoud, the FAO’s representative in Algeria, commended the country’s efforts toward achieving food self-sufficiency. She noted that Algeria has all the necessary resources to reach this goal, highlighting the role of youth, startups, and skilled labor—including both men and women—in the agricultural sector.
Kouplevatskaya-Betoud also mentioned the “WAPOR” project, a collaborative initiative between Algeria and the FAO, aimed at improving agricultural production while minimizing water consumption. This project relies on data analysis to provide recommendations for optimizing farming and irrigation methods.
In a pre-recorded message broadcast during the event, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu called for greater international cooperation in food systems, emphasizing the importance of innovation and technology in ensuring food security.
National Achievements in Agriculture and Food Production
Mohamed Yazid Henbli, President of the National Chamber of Agriculture, praised Algeria’s progress in achieving self-sufficiency in vegetables and fruits, stating that domestic production currently meets 75% of the country’s food needs. He called for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to further develop agro-industries.
In his remarks, the Secretary-General of the Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture, Ameen Atoufa, commended Algeria’s efforts to boost agricultural production, enhance self-sufficiency, and attract investments in the agricultural sector.
The ceremony concluded with the FAO awarding medals of recognition to several individuals for their contributions to the field of nutrition. An exhibition showcasing local agricultural and food products was also organized as part of the event.
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Author: nor-eleslam
World Food Day, food security, Algeria, sustainable agriculture, self-sufficiency, FAO, agricultural innovation, WAPOR project
