Arabfields, Adel Serai, Economic Analyst — Algeria has made remarkable strides toward achieving food security and sovereignty, an ambition repeatedly emphasized by the nation’s leadership. According to Ibrahim Djribia, president of the Chamber of Agriculture of Algiers, the agricultural sector now supplies more than 75 percent of the country’s food needs, ensuring that markets remain consistently stocked and households rarely face shortages. This abundance is evident across various sectors, including citrus fruits, market gardening, and other produce, driven by the dedication of traditional farmers alongside a new generation of young entrepreneurs entering the field. These achievements stem not from mere luck, but from a comprehensive government program initiated in 2019, designed to counter the impacts of climate challenges and global geopolitical shifts.
At the heart of this strategy lie three critical pillars: cereals, milk, and red meat. In cereals, Algeria is targeting an annual production of 70 to 80 million quintals to meet domestic demand, which stands around 9 million tonnes. A key milestone has been the elimination of seed imports for over three decades, thanks to the expertise of local engineers who have developed certified national seeds. This self-reliance is further bolstered by expansive projects in the southern regions, where vast groundwater reserves enable large-scale cultivation. International partnerships are playing a pivotal role in this transformation. The ambitious Baladna project with Qatar, set to commence operations in 2026, is described as the project of the century, encompassing cereals, meat, and dairy production, with a particular focus on slashing the heavy import bill for milk powder. Similarly, an Italian initiative in Timimoun spans 36,000 hectares dedicated to cereals, pasta production, and strategic crops in arid zones.
Challenges persist, particularly in the red meat sector, where feed supply remains the core issue, involving barley and bran, compounded historically by speculative practices. Recent measures include a new system to register breeders, curb speculation, and ensure controlled distribution of feed. The dairy sector, too, shows vulnerability despite progress. On the administrative front, digitalization has emerged as a cornerstone priority. Accurate data from recensuses across the 58 wilayas reveal a sheep population of 18 million heads, far from earlier conflicting estimates. Platforms like Gorfati, equipped with a national agricultural number, have been rolled out since 2023 to identify farmers and track productions. The next phase involves issuing farmer cards with QR codes to streamline banking, administrative procedures, and oversight.
Regional success stories highlight this momentum, as seen in Batna and Khenchela, which have risen to become national leaders in apple production. Once focused on subsistence crops, these areas exploded in output following the 2019 ban on apple imports, spurring massive investments in orchards spanning 12,000 hectares and yielding over 4 million quintals, while reducing imports and stabilizing consumer prices.
Looking ahead, these foundations position Algeria for even greater self-sufficiency by the end of the decade. With projects like Baladna and Timimoun coming online, cereal production could surpass current targets, potentially reaching full domestic coverage and reducing import dependencies further. Digitalization completion by 2026 will enhance efficiency, enabling precise resource allocation and minimizing waste. Expansion into southern lands, combined with sustained partnerships, promises to fortify the milk and meat pillars, transforming vulnerabilities into strengths. Optimism abounds, as the enduring commitment of Algerian farmers ensures continued progress, with markets remaining abundant and sovereignty increasingly within reach.
In the context of large-scale cereal cultivation, particularly wheat, and emerging pulse crops like lentils in expansive southern projects, pesticide use plays a supporting role in protecting yields. Algeria maintains strict regulations on phytosanitary products, requiring prior approval and registration for all agricultural pesticides, ensuring controlled application. Studies on wheat grains have detected residues, most commonly pirimiphos-methyl, though the majority fall within maximum residue limits, with occasional exceedances prompting ongoing monitoring. For lentils and similar legumes in new arid-zone farms, pesticides help manage pests and weeds, aligning with global practices where herbicides and insecticides safeguard production in challenging environments. As these large-scale initiatives scale up, integrated approaches may evolve, balancing productivity with environmental safeguards to sustain long-term food security gains.
