Arabfields, Algiers, Algeria — In a pivotal session before the Finance and Budget Committee of the National People’s Assembly, Algeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries, Yacine El-Mahdi Oualid, presented a comprehensive vision for the agricultural sector as part of the deliberations on the 2026 finance bill. Emphasizing the critical role of agriculture in bolstering national self-sufficiency, the minister highlighted a series of targeted initiatives designed to ramp up domestic production and fortify key agricultural value chains. This approach, he argued, is essential for reducing Algeria’s reliance on foreign imports while fostering sustainable growth in rural economies.
At the heart of the ministry’s strategy lies a strong commitment to enhancing productivity through substantial support for essential inputs. Seeds and fertilizers, foundational elements of modern farming, will receive prioritized funding to ensure farmers have access to high-quality resources that can withstand the challenges posed by Algeria’s diverse climatic conditions, from the arid Sahara in the south to the fertile coastal plains in the north. By investing in these basics, the government aims to empower smallholder farmers and large-scale operations alike, enabling them to achieve higher yields and contribute more effectively to the national food supply.
Irrigation and mechanization emerged as twin pillars of the proposed reforms. Minister Oualid detailed plans to expand irrigated farmland, recognizing that water scarcity remains a perennial obstacle in Algerian agriculture. The strategy includes the widespread adoption of water-efficient irrigation systems, such as drip and sprinkler technologies, which minimize waste and maximize the use of limited water resources. This is particularly vital in a country where agriculture accounts for a significant portion of water consumption, and where climate change is exacerbating droughts and irregular rainfall patterns. By generalizing these efficient methods, the ministry seeks not only to boost crop outputs but also to promote environmental sustainability, aligning with broader global efforts to combat desertification and preserve precious groundwater reserves.
Looking southward, the minister placed special emphasis on developing strategic crops in Algeria’s vast desert regions. Initiatives to unlock the potential of southern farmlands include infrastructure projects aimed at connecting isolated agricultural holdings to essential services. This encompasses road improvements to facilitate transportation of goods and, crucially, extensions of electrical grids to power modern farming equipment. Such measures are expected to transform underutilized areas into productive hubs, particularly for high-value crops that can thrive in harsh environments with proper support. By integrating these remote farms into the national grid, the government anticipates a ripple effect: increased employment in rural areas, reduced urban migration, and a more balanced economic development across the country.
A key objective outlined by Oualid is the drastic reduction in imports of staple foods like cereals and dry legumes. Algeria, like many North African nations, has historically depended on global markets for these essentials, exposing it to price volatility and supply chain disruptions. To counter this, the ministry’s plan focuses on elevating domestic productivity through improved yields per hectare. This involves not just technological upgrades but also agronomic research to adapt crop varieties to local soils and climates. For instance, expanding irrigated areas will allow for multiple cropping cycles in a year, potentially doubling or tripling outputs in targeted regions.
Storage infrastructure also featured prominently in the minister’s address. He stressed the need to intensify efforts in preserving basic commodities such as potatoes, industrial tomatoes, garlic, and onions. Proper storage facilities, including climate-controlled warehouses and silos, are seen as vital to preventing post-harvest losses, which can reach alarming levels in developing agricultural systems. By encouraging investments in these areas, the government aims to stabilize market prices, ensure year-round availability, and minimize waste, thereby enhancing food security for Algeria’s growing population of over 45 million.
Furthermore, the minister advocated for bolstering cereal production as a cornerstone of national food independence. Cereals, including wheat and barley, form the backbone of the Algerian diet, and increasing their cultivation could significantly cut import bills, which have strained the national budget in recent years amid fluctuating global commodity prices. In parallel, support for industrial crops like oilseed rape (colza) and maize will be ramped up. These crops not only serve as raw materials for agro-processing industries but also contribute to diversified farming practices, reducing the risks associated with monoculture and promoting soil health through crop rotation.
On the technological front, Oualid underscored the ministry’s dedication to integrating high-tech equipment into everyday farming operations. Modern machinery, from precision planters to automated harvesters, plays an indispensable role in elevating agricultural efficiency. In a sector where manual labor still predominates in many areas, the adoption of such tools could revolutionize productivity, allowing farmers to cover larger areas with fewer resources and less physical strain. The minister’s department views this as a capital priority, with potential investments in training programs to equip rural workers with the skills needed to operate advanced systems. This tech-driven approach aligns with Algeria’s broader economic diversification goals, moving away from hydrocarbon dependency toward a knowledge-based agricultural economy.
The minister’s presentation comes at a time when Algeria is navigating complex economic challenges, including the aftermath of global supply shocks and the imperative to build resilience against future uncertainties. By channeling resources into agriculture, the government signals its intent to leverage the sector as an engine for inclusive growth. Rural development, often overlooked in favor of urban industrialization, stands to benefit immensely from these measures, potentially alleviating poverty and fostering community stability in underserved regions.
While the details of funding allocations under the 2026 finance bill remain under discussion, Oualid’s assurances reflect a proactive stance. The proposed battery of measures, from input subsidies to infrastructure upgrades, forms a cohesive framework aimed at transforming Algerian agriculture into a more robust, self-reliant system. As the assembly continues its review, stakeholders in the farming community will be watching closely to see how these commitments translate into actionable policies on the ground.
In summary, the minister’s blueprint for 2026 paints a picture of an agricultural sector poised for renewal. Through targeted investments in production, technology, and infrastructure, Algeria aims to secure its food future, reduce import vulnerabilities, and harness the full potential of its land and people. This strategic pivot could mark a turning point, positioning the country as a regional leader in sustainable farming practices amid an increasingly unpredictable global landscape.
