Editorial Staff, Souk Ahras, Algeria – October 15, 2025
In a decisive push for Algeria’s food self-sufficiency, the National Office of Agricultural Lands (ONTA) has reclaimed and relaunched 121.35 hectares of idle agricultural land in the wilaya of Souk Ahras. This operation, blending administrative rigor with digital innovation, invites Algerian investors to transform these fertile plots into fruit orchards, pedagogical farms, nurseries, livestock operations, and greenhouse cultivations. Announced exclusively by Mohamed Rezaïguia, director of the local ONTA branch, this initiative aligns with President Tebboune’s 2025 Agricultural Roadmap, aiming for a 70% reduction in food imports by 2030.
Conducted from January to early October 2025, the recovery marks a national offensive against idle lands. Over 150 online applications have already been submitted since the platform’s launch on October 1. With the inscription deadline closing in six days, the race is on for entrepreneurs.
Land Distribution: From Abandonment to Golden Opportunity
The 121.35 hectares, reintegrated into ONTA-Souk Ahras’s portfolio, are ready for immediate use. They are primarily split between the commune of Souk Ahras, with 103.95 hectares benefiting from urban access and efficient irrigation networks, and the commune of Zaârouria, with 17.4 hectares of rural plains offering strong pastoral potential. These rich alluvial soils, reliable groundwater, and proximity to Tunisian and eastern Algerian markets make them true land gold.
According to ONTA’s preliminary projections, these plots could produce 800 tons of fruits and vegetables annually, plus 500 heads of livestock, enough to employ 250 locals and cut regional imports by 5%.
The Causes: Strict Enforcement of Law 10-03
The operation stems from the work of the wilaya commission tasked with monitoring and sanitizing investment projects, activated by Interministerial Circular No. 2 of July 1, 2025. Charged with auditing state private-domain lands, the commission identified “a blatant lack of seriousness” among former beneficiaries, Rezaïguia told APS.
Violations of Law 10-03 of 2010, which governs the exploitation of state agricultural lands, were widespread: 80% of cases involved implementation delays beyond the legal 24 months, 65% showed zero production despite mandatory quotas, and 45% featured environmental lapses such as soil erosion. Of the 121 audited plots, 52 were reclaimed for prolonged delays, 41 for failing quotas, and 28 for sustainability breaches.
“It’s not a punishment, it’s responsible management,” Rezaïguia insists. “Idle land starves communities; active investment feeds them.” The process, governed by Executive Decree No. 21-432 of April 11, 2021 (as amended), ensures fair reallocation.
Digital Revolution: ONTA’s Platform Changes the Game
Launched on October 1, National Day of Agricultural Extension, ONTA’s platform is a national first. Authorized by the Wali of Souk Ahras and compliant with Order No. 1344 of November 11, 2012 (amended May 6, 2025), it digitizes concessions from A to Z: interactive GPS plot mapping with soil analyses and climate data, instant AI eligibility checks, secure online payments for the 23,800 DA fee (about $175 USD), and mobile compatibility for applications in under 10 minutes.
At the end of the 20-day inscription period (closing October 21, 2025), the wilaya commission for promoting agricultural investment will review dossiers. Selections will prioritize viable plans over wealth. Candidates must be Algerian nationals with no prior concessions nationwide, submit a detailed techno-economic study with a three-year timeline, and prove financial capacity covering 100% of startup costs.
“Young Algerians with ideas, not just money, will win,” affirms Karim Lounes, ONTA’s IT Director.
Five Promising Sectors: Tailored Opportunities
ONTA targets diversified, climate-resilient projects. Across 50 hectares, fruit arboriculture will focus on olives, figs, and pomegranates for export potential to Europe. Twenty hectares will host pedagogical farms combining agritourism and training for 1,000 students annually. Fifteen hectares of nurseries will supply plants for national reforestation, while 25 hectares for animal husbandry, dairy goats and sheep, will boost milk production by 30%. Finally, 11.35 hectares of greenhouse cultivation will ensure year-round yields of tomatoes and peppers.
Attractive incentives include FNDA loans subsidized at 80%, free irrigation technology, and three-year tax exemptions.
A 15-Year Legacy: Souk Ahras, Agricultural Powerhouse
Since Law 10-03, ONTA-Souk Ahras has issued 2,824 concession deeds for 43,000 hectares, or 20% of the wilaya’s arable land. From 2010 to 2015, 1,200 concessions over 18,000 hectares propelled wheat production by 35% and created 10 new mills. Between 2016 and 2020, 950 concessions over 15,000 hectares added 500 hectares of olives, generating $5 million in exports. Since 2021, 674 concessions over 10,000 hectares have reclaimed 700 hectares and created 1,500 jobs, boosting the wilaya’s GDP by 12% and cutting imports by 8%.
Nationally, 2025 recoveries exceed 50,000 hectares. Souk Ahras’s sanitization will conclude on December 31, targeting an additional 200 hectares in Bir Hilou and Sedrata via drone audits.
Voices from the Field: Farmers Mobilize
“My nursery plan is ready, finally, fair access!” exclaims Fatima Ouali, 35, a single mother from Zaârouria, aiming for high-tech greenhouses. At Souk Ahras market, vendor Rachid Benali adds: “These reclaimed lands mean cheaper figs for everyone. This platform? A blessing!”
Dr. Nadia Khelil, agronomist at Guelma University, analyzes: “Souk Ahras could inspire 10 wilayas and cut national imports by 15%.”
National Strategy in Action: Feeding Algeria’s Future
This portfolio advances the valorization goals of Decree 21-432, at the heart of a $2 billion agricultural fund. Projected impacts: 500 jobs created, 1,200 tons of annual production, and 2% savings on national wheat.
As applications pour in (200 expected), Rezaïguia urges: “Act now, deadline October 21. Build Algeria’s green tomorrow.”
