National Program for Agricultural Development: Over 77,000 Farms Electrified Since 2020
In a significant update on the National Program for Agricultural Development, Mohamed Arkab, the Minister of Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energy, announced that more than 77,000 agricultural farms have been connected to the electricity grid since 2020. The announcement was made during a public session at the National People’s Assembly on Thursday, where the minister presented a detailed report on the progress of this vital project aimed at boosting agricultural production and enhancing the sector’s competitiveness.
Tangible Results
Minister Arkab highlighted that the national program, launched in 2020, has achieved substantial results across the country, with 77,242 agricultural farms now electrified. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Algeria’s food security, as access to electricity improves working conditions on farms and increases agricultural productivity.
The minister emphasized that the efforts, coordinated with relevant sectors including agriculture, rural development, and fisheries, aim to accelerate the program’s implementation while addressing technical and administrative challenges that may arise in certain regions.
Expansion and Challenges
Arkab reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to continuing the national program for electrifying agricultural farms based on requests submitted by agricultural departments in various Algerian provinces. He also stressed the ministry’s determination to expand the program to ensure that as many farmers as possible benefit from electrification.
The minister noted that the program is not limited to electrical connections but also includes improvements in natural gas connectivity in specific regions. This reflects the broader strategy to enhance the infrastructure supporting Algeria’s agricultural sector.
By connecting more farms to the electricity grid, the state aims to improve agricultural production through modern irrigation techniques and advanced farming equipment that rely on electricity. Access to electricity also enables farmers to enhance working conditions and increase overall productivity, thereby contributing to the nation’s food security.
Arkab pointed out that this initiative aligns with the Algerian government’s goals of promoting food self-sufficiency, reducing reliance on agricultural imports, and improving the country’s ability to meet its food needs.
Natural Gas Connectivity
In another part of his address, the minister discussed the progress of natural gas connectivity in certain regions, particularly in M’sila Province, where over 40,000 homes have been connected to natural gas through public programs at an estimated cost of 14.9 billion dinars.
Arkab stated that the project’s progress rate has reached 73%, noting that natural gas connectivity requires significant financial resources. He added that the government continues to allocate annual programs to connect new areas to the natural gas network.
The minister also highlighted notable progress in Ouled Djellal Province, where 64% of the villages have been connected to natural gas. He explained that these projects will be implemented gradually, depending on the availability of financial resources.
Previous Achievements
It is worth noting that the Ministry of Energy successfully connected 66,300 agricultural farms to the electricity grid by September 2024, according to previous statements by the energy minister.
This national program underscores Algeria’s commitment to modernizing its agricultural sector, improving rural livelihoods, and achieving long-term food security.
