Irrigated Agriculture Emerges as a Solution Amid Climate Challenges
In the face of climate change, crop destruction, failed harvests, and the worsening erosion of fertile lands, irrigated agriculture has emerged as a vital solution. The Algerian Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries has taken proactive steps to address these challenges. Currently, irrigated areas cover 2.1 million hectares, with plans to expand to 3 million hectares in the coming years, in line with the program outlined by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
A Program to Enhance and Expand Irrigated Areas
Halim Benmessaoud, Deputy Director of Agricultural Irrigation Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries, highlights Algeria’s significant progress in expanding irrigated areas despite rainfall deficits. “Irrigated agricultural land has increased from 350,000 hectares in 2000 to over 2 million hectares today,” he explains. “This growth has been achieved through the mobilization of resources, the promotion of various irrigation systems, and water-saving technologies at the farm level.”
Benmessaoud emphasizes that the agricultural sector is undergoing a renaissance, marked by a qualitative leap that requires close monitoring of state-set objectives, particularly in ensuring food security. “We are committed to achieving our goal of 3 million hectares of irrigated land in the coming years,” he adds.
Strategic Focus on Key Crops
The Ministry has outlined a comprehensive program to enhance and expand irrigated areas, with a particular focus on strategic crops such as cereals and oilseeds. Collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources is key to implementing these initiatives. Among the measures taken by the government to mobilize water resources and support farmers are technical and financial assistance for the installation of water-saving equipment, including sprinkler kits, reel systems, pivots, and drip irrigation systems. Support also extends to the construction of wells, boreholes, and reservoirs.
“These measures aim to improve water-use efficiency and expand irrigated areas,” Benmessaoud notes. “Technical institutes and agricultural departments are working to train farmers and help them adopt modern irrigation techniques.” The ambitious agricultural development program covers all stages of the farming process, from land preparation to production and supply chain management.
Reducing Water Waste
To boost productivity, the government has extended agricultural financing to all public banks, enabling farmers to access credit on favorable terms. Benmessaoud stresses that irrigated agriculture has become a “necessity” and even a “permanent obligation.” However, he underscores the importance of proper management, emphasizing the need to apply the right amount of water at the right time and in the right way, tailored to the needs of crops, while minimizing water waste and costs.
Cereal production has faced significant challenges in recent years, particularly in 2023, with a notable decline in yields. “Cereals depend heavily on rainfall and favorable weather conditions. Poor distribution of rain directly impacts productivity, which is why an effective irrigation network is crucial,” Benmessaoud explains.
Two Types of Irrigated Areas
Benmessaoud outlines two categories of irrigated areas: small-scale plots managed by individual farmers and large-scale areas primarily supplied by water from major dams. The latter, covering over 280,000 hectares, are managed by the National Office of Irrigation and Drainage (ONID) and are mostly located in the north of the country. In the south, large irrigated areas rely on deep wells managed by ONID.
Looking ahead, Benmessaoud highlights major integrated investment projects launched in the south, in collaboration with foreign partners such as Qatar and Italy. These projects, along with investments by groups like Cosider, Sonatrach, and Madar Holding, aim to enhance agricultural production, optimize land use, and ensure the sustainability of water resources.
As Algeria continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, the expansion and modernization of irrigated agriculture remain central to the nation’s efforts to achieve food security and sustainable agricultural development.
