New Technologies Eyed in Algeria-Italy Farm Talks
An Algerian-Italian economic forum recently convened in Algiers to explore opportunities for cooperation in agricultural mechanization, identified as a key element for modernizing Algeria's agricultural sector. Zahreddine Salhi, the Director of Agricultural Investment at Algeria's Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries, stated that Algeria aims to accelerate mechanization to optimize harvest operations and minimize post-harvest losses. This includes integrating new technologies and developing precision agriculture across the country.
Mr. Salhi specifically highlighted the potential for adopting drones, remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and water-saving irrigation systems, particularly in the vast agricultural areas of southern Algeria. He also noted avenues for collaboration with international partners, including Italy, for modernizing agricultural holdings, citing the existing Algerian-Italian agro-industrial mega-project in Timimoun as a successful partnership model. The Italian Ambassador to Algeria, Alessandra Schiavo, affirmed that Italian experience and technologies could offer concrete contributions as Algeria's agricultural sector undergoes transformation, marked by increased production and expanded cultivated land in the south.
The forum was part of a larger Italian mission, organized by the Italian Foreign Trade Agency (ICE) in collaboration with Feder Unacoma, the Italian Federation of Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers. This mission, held in Algiers on September 28-29, brought together Italian companies specializing in agricultural machinery, digitalization, smart irrigation, nurseries, and storage solutions. Fabio Ricci of Feder Unacoma emphasized the significant potential for industrial partnerships and technology transfer, aiming to implement solutions tailored to Algeria's agricultural needs and foster knowledge exchange between operators from both nations.
