Algeria Unveils Bold Plan to Achieve Wheat Self-Sufficiency by 2026
In a groundbreaking move aimed at bolstering food security and reducing reliance on foreign imports, Algeria has announced an ambitious agricultural strategy. The country plans to completely halt wheat imports by 2026, as revealed by Agriculture Minister Youcef Cherfa during a visit to the Boumerdès province on March 24, 2025. This initiative aligns with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s pledge to achieve full independence in wheat production within three years, marking a pivotal moment for Algeria’s agricultural sector.
The overarching goal of this policy is clear: to enhance national self-sufficiency in food production while diminishing external dependency. To achieve this, Algeria is channeling significant investments into its agricultural infrastructure, including storage facilities, irrigation systems, and support programs for farmers. These efforts have already yielded results, with cultivated land areas expanding significantly, setting the stage for more abundant and consistent harvests.
A Strategic Push Toward Self-Sufficiency
In 2024, Algeria’s cereal production reached approximately 22.2 million quintals (1 quintal = 100 kilograms). However, to meet domestic demand and eliminate reliance on imports, the country aims to produce 71 million quintals of cereals by 2025. This target will require not only an increase in cultivated land but also advanced technical support for farmers, particularly in irrigation and modern farming technologies.
One of the cornerstones of this strategy is the expansion of irrigated farmland. Over the next four years, Algeria plans to increase its total irrigated agricultural land to 3 million hectares, with a particular focus on arid southern regions. By adopting modern irrigation techniques, these areas could see significantly improved yields, contributing to the nation’s overall agricultural output.
Modernizing Storage Infrastructure
Another critical component of the plan is the development of storage infrastructure. Currently, Algeria has the capacity to store 4 million tons of cereals. However, the government aims to double this capacity to 9 million tons by 2026. Several projects are underway to construct silos and storage centers across various provinces, including Tiaret, Tlemcen, and Adrar.
During his visit to Si Mustapha in March 2025, Minister Cherfa laid the foundation stone for a new storage silo—a strategic project designed to boost regional storage capabilities. These facilities will not only accommodate future harvests but also serve as a buffer against potential crop failures, ensuring long-term food security.
Reducing Imports and Economic Savings
Beyond increasing production, Algeria’s strategy seeks to drastically cut expenditures on wheat and other cereal imports. In 2024, the country spent approximately 421 million as early as next year.
Achieving self-sufficiency in cereals represents a major challenge but also a significant opportunity to strengthen the nation’s economic resilience. Reducing dependence on volatile international markets will shield Algeria from price fluctuations while creating jobs in agriculture and food processing sectors. This shift could have far-reaching benefits, fostering stability and growth in rural communities.
Broader Implications for Energy and Resource Management
The emphasis on agricultural modernization and reduced wheat imports also intersects with Algeria’s energy policy. By optimizing local resources and improving water management, the country can address the challenges posed by its arid climate. Efficient water use is particularly crucial in a region where environmental conditions often limit agricultural productivity.
This multifaceted approach underscores Algeria’s commitment to sustainable development. By investing in technology, infrastructure, and human capital, the government is laying the groundwork for a more self-reliant and resilient economy. If successful, this initiative could mark a turning point in the history of Algerian agriculture, ensuring food security and economic stability for generations to come.
