Landmark Agreement Signed for Major Dairy Project in Southern Algeria
Algiers — The Algerian Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries, Youcef Cherfa, co-chaired a ceremony on Thursday, an advisor to the President of the Republic responsible for trade, supply, oversight, and import-export. The event marked the signing of the final agreement for the implementation of an integrated powdered milk production project in southern Algeria, one of the largest agricultural ventures in the country, valued at $3.5 billion.
The agreement was signed by Souad Assaous, Director General of Agricultural Investment and Land at the Ministry of Agriculture, and Ali Al-Ali, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Baladna-Algeria, in the presence of senior officials from the ministry and the General Director of the National Investment Fund (FNI), according to a statement released by the ministry.
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During the ceremony, an additional agreement was also signed between Baladna-Algeria and the National Interprofessional Office for Milk and Dairy Products (ONIL) concerning the procurement of powdered milk produced by the project. This second agreement was signed by Ali Al-Ali and the General Director of ONIL, as stated in the same press release.
A Strategic Initiative with Wide-Ranging Goals
The project will span an impressive 117,000 hectares of land, encompassing farms dedicated to forage production, livestock farming for dairy and meat, and a state-of-the-art powdered milk production plant. This ambitious initiative is part of Algeria’s broader strategy to bolster its agricultural sector and reduce reliance on imports.
One of the primary objectives of the project is to locally produce 50% of the nation’s powdered milk needs, thereby moving toward self-sufficiency in this critical commodity. In addition to addressing the powdered milk demand, the project aims to supply the domestic market with red meat, create thousands of jobs, and significantly increase the national cattle population, further strengthening the agricultural ecosystem.
Progress Already Underway
Work on the project has already begun in the Adrar province, where exploratory drilling operations have been completed. Additionally, feasibility studies related to land development have been finalized, paving the way for the next phases of implementation.
The government views this initiative as a cornerstone of its efforts to modernize the agricultural sector and enhance food security. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, the project is expected to transform southern Algeria into a hub for agribusiness while delivering substantial economic and social benefits to local communities.
With its focus on innovation, job creation, and reducing dependency on imported goods, this landmark endeavor underscores Algeria’s commitment to fostering long-term economic resilience and self-reliance. As the project progresses, stakeholders remain optimistic about its potential to revolutionize the country’s agricultural landscape and contribute to broader national development goals.
