Arabfields, Newsroom, Oran — In a bid to bolster food security and sustainable farming practices, Algeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, Yacine El Mahdi Oualid, has spotlighted the nation’s ongoing efforts in plant protection. Speaking at the opening of the 14th Arab Congress of Plant Protection in Algiers, Oualid emphasized the critical role of innovative strategies in safeguarding crops against pests and diseases, aligning these initiatives with broader goals of agricultural reform. This comes on the heels of the National Conference on Agricultural Modernization, where seed production emerged as a cornerstone recommendation to enhance productivity and self-sufficiency.
The congress, hosted from November 3 to 7 under the theme « Plant Health for Sustainable Food Security, » has drawn experts, researchers, and policymakers from across the Arab world to discuss emerging threats to agriculture. Organized by the Arab Society for Plant Protection in collaboration with Algeria’s National Higher School of Agronomy and the Directorate of Plant Protection and Technical Control, the event features sessions on economic pests, plant diseases, invasive species, diagnostic tools, quarantine measures, biological control methods, and the impacts of climate change. A highlight includes a one-day agricultural and touristic excursion to showcase Algerian landmarks and practical applications of plant health strategies.
In his address on Monday, Oualid underscored Algeria’s proactive measures in plant protection, highlighting investments in biotechnology, monitoring systems, and eco-friendly pest management. He pointed to the integration of these efforts with national policies aimed at reducing dependency on imports and mitigating environmental risks. « Algeria’s commitment to plant health is not just about immediate crop yields but about building resilience for future generations, » Oualid stated, according to reports from the event. He also referenced collaborations with international bodies, such as the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM), which has reaffirmed its support for Algeria’s modernization drive.
This focus on plant protection dovetails with the outcomes of the National Conference on Agricultural Modernization, held October 27-28 at the International Conference Center (CIC) in Algiers. The two-day gathering brought together stakeholders to chart a path toward a tech-driven agricultural sector, resulting in a series of actionable recommendations. Chief among them is the establishment of national hubs for local seed production, designed to promote high-yield, climate-adapted varieties that can withstand local challenges like drought and soil degradation.
Participants at the modernization conference stressed the urgency of digitizing production techniques to optimize resource use and improve decision-making through data analytics. Modern irrigation methods, including water-efficient systems and the utilization of treated wastewater, were also prioritized to address water scarcity—a pressing issue in Algeria’s arid and semi-arid regions. Other proposals included fostering cooperatives, combating land fragmentation, and launching a national program for smart agriculture in partnership with universities, research centers, and startups.
Oualid, who has been a vocal advocate for structural reforms, affirmed during the conference his dedication to a « realistic agricultural policy based on technology and innovation. » He described traditional farming practices as relics of the past, calling for a paradigm shift toward efficiency and sustainability. The minister’s vision includes supporting young entrepreneurs through improved financing, technology incubators, and spatial data utilization, as well as promoting successful pilot projects to scale up best practices nationwide.
Algeria’s agricultural sector, which employs a significant portion of the population and contributes to the national economy, faces hurdles such as climate variability, limited arable land, and global market fluctuations. However, recent advancements signal progress: the country has expanded its use of biotechnology in plant protection, as noted by congress speaker Dr. Lakhdar Khelifi from the National Higher School of Agronomy. Efforts to develop local equipment and enhance export competitiveness were also highlighted in the modernization recommendations, aiming to position Algeria as a regional leader in food sovereignty.
The convergence of these events—the modernization conference and the plant protection congress—illustrates a cohesive strategy under Oualid’s leadership. By linking seed production to broader plant health initiatives, Algeria seeks to reduce vulnerability to pests and diseases while boosting output. Experts at the congress discussed post-harvest management and beneficial insects, further enriching the dialogue on sustainable practices.
As the congress continues through the week, attendees are expected to exchange experiences on quarantine procedures and chemical controls, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact. The outcomes could influence policy not only in Algeria but across the Arab region, where food security remains a shared priority amid rising populations and climate pressures.
In the broader context, Oualid’s initiatives align with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s emphasis on economic diversification away from hydrocarbons. By investing in agriculture, Algeria aims to achieve greater self-reliance, create jobs in rural areas, and contribute to global sustainability goals. Stakeholders remain optimistic that these efforts will yield tangible results within the next five years, transforming the sector into a model of innovation and resilience.
