Arabfields, Imed Aissaoui, Oran, Algeria — Farmers in the wilaya of El Menia have delivered a strong performance in the 2025/2026 agricultural season, harvesting more than 700,000 quintals of off-season potatoes from 1,600 hectares of cultivated land. Local agricultural authorities described the results as a notable achievement that underscores the crop’s growing importance for national food security.
Youssef Mesbah, director of agricultural services in the region, confirmed that the harvest wrapped up successfully in recent days. He noted that favorable weather conditions and the widespread use of modern central pivot irrigation systems contributed to solid yields. Many producers in the area rely on these efficient watering techniques, which have helped maintain consistent production even in challenging arid environments.
Potatoes remain one of Algeria’s most consumed staple foods, and this off-season output from El Menia supplies both local markets and broader national distribution networks. The produce also supports storage strategies designed to stabilize prices and ensure steady availability during peak demand periods. Farmers in the wilaya expressed satisfaction with the results, pointing to state-provided technical assistance, improved access to quality seeds, and subsidized inputs as key factors behind the success.
According to data from the 2025/2026 campaign, the region’s potato sector has evolved into a reliable contributor to domestic supply. Broader national trends show Algerian potato production continuing its gradual expansion, with overall output projected to approach or exceed 5.9 million metric tons by the end of 2026, reflecting an average annual growth rate of around 2 percent over recent decades. Experts anticipate that continued investment in irrigation infrastructure and modern farming practices will support further gains in the coming years, particularly in southern and high-plains areas suited to off-season cultivation.
Producers like those in El Menia play an essential role in these developments. One local farmer, who has worked the land for over two decades, shared that the combination of better equipment and expert guidance from agricultural extension services has transformed what was once a risky endeavor into a more predictable and profitable activity. Such personal accounts highlight the human dimension behind the statistics, as families and communities depend on these harvests for their livelihoods.
Looking ahead, forecasts based on current trajectories suggest that Algeria’s potato sector could see sustained growth through 2030, driven by expanding cultivated areas, technological upgrades, and efforts to reduce post-harvest losses. Officials expect that strengthened storage capacities and improved market regulation will help balance supply and demand more effectively, benefiting both growers and consumers across the country.
This season’s performance in El Menia adds to a pattern of resilience in Algerian agriculture, where strategic crops continue to receive priority support. As the sector adapts to evolving climate patterns and population needs, regions like El Menia are positioning themselves as important pillars of the national food system.
