Arabfields, Adel Serai, Economic Analyst Arabfields — Algeria’s potato sector is heading into a promising agricultural season, with abundant supplies reported in the western province of Mascara and strong production prospects in several key farming regions. The increase in available stocks is expected to support market supply in the coming months, although maintaining stable prices will depend on harvesting conditions, transport costs and storage capacity.

Agricultural authorities in Mascara have reported substantial quantities of potatoes on local markets, particularly at the wholesale markets of Tighennif and Sidi Abdelmoumen. The availability of the crop is providing some reassurance to traders and consumers as demand for one of Algeria’s most widely consumed staple foods remains strong.

The positive outlook extends beyond Mascara. In El Oued, one of the country’s leading potato-producing regions, annual output is estimated at more than 16 million quintals, equivalent to 1.6 million tonnes. This includes more than 12 million quintals from the off-season crop and approximately 3.8 million quintals from the seasonal harvest.

The figures underline the importance of southern Algeria to national food supplies. El Oued’s off-season potato cultivation covers around 35,000 hectares, while seasonal production occupies a further 11,000 hectares. The region has maintained relatively stable cultivated areas and output over the past six agricultural seasons, from 2020-2021 to 2025-2026.

Its contribution to national production is particularly significant, accounting for an estimated 40% to 60% of Algeria’s potato output in recent years. This makes the region a central player in efforts to maintain supplies throughout the year.

For farmers, however, a successful harvest is only part of the challenge. Getting produce to wholesale markets quickly and at a profitable price remains essential. In El Oued, around 450 trucks are expected to leave agricultural areas daily during the initial harvesting period, each carrying an average of approximately 100 quintals of potatoes. During the peak season, between mid-December and mid-January, the number of departing trucks could more than double.

These transport operations illustrate the scale of the agricultural activity and the number of workers and businesses relying on the sector. In Aflou, in Laghouat province, the 2025-2026 seasonal campaign is expected to generate approximately 877,100 quintals from more than 3,032 hectares. One local agricultural investor, Hadj Aïssa Hamlaoui, said his farm provides 50 permanent jobs and around 200 seasonal positions during harvesting periods.

Such figures highlight the social importance of potato farming, particularly in rural communities where agricultural employment supports household incomes and local commercial activity.

The outlook for consumers will largely depend on whether increased production translates into regular market deliveries. National retail prices stood at an average of 95 dinars per kilogram on November 2, according to the Agriculture Ministry’s market price bulletin, with regional prices ranging from 89 to 101 dinars.

The latest production estimates suggest that supply could remain comfortable through the winter. In El Oued, harvesting is scheduled to begin around November 20, with production expected to help supply national markets until February. If weather conditions remain favourable and distribution networks operate efficiently, the additional volumes could ease seasonal pressure on prices.

Looking further ahead, Algeria’s potato industry has room to strengthen its position through improved seed production, better storage facilities and more efficient distribution. These priorities were among the issues discussed at a national meeting on the future of the potato sector chaired by Agriculture Minister Yacine El-Mahdi Oualid in February 2026.

The government is also considering mechanisms to purchase and store surplus agricultural production, a measure that could help protect farmers from sudden price declines while ensuring supplies remain available during periods of lower production.

Nevertheless, sustaining output will require attention to water management, production costs and climate-related risks. Agricultural expansion in southern regions has increased the importance of irrigation, making efficient water use a key consideration for the sector’s long-term development.

For now, the combination of abundant supplies in Mascara, strong production in El Oued and the harvest expected in other agricultural regions offers encouraging prospects for the domestic market. If current production trends continue, Algeria could maintain a relatively well-supplied potato market into early 2027, although the final impact on consumer prices will depend on how effectively the harvest reaches retailers.