Algeria Charts Ambitious Path to Agricultural Self-Sufficiency: Minister Announces Gradual End to Seed Imports

Speaking during a working visit and inspection tour in the wilaya, accompanied by Governor Djamel-Eddine Hashas, Oualid explained that the program targets particularly horticultural crops. “To guarantee the country’s food security, we have developed a robust plan to progressively reduce dependence on imported seeds and saplings,” he stated, underscoring the strategic nature of the initiative.

Investments Focused on Technology and Scientific Research

The minister highlighted the central role of modern technologies in domestic agricultural production, particularly for seeds and saplings, positioning the sector for both national sufficiency and export potential. Preparations are underway for the creation of a dedicated seed production hub spanning the wilayas of Ghardaïa and El-Menia, aimed at strengthening local production capacity.

“This strategic orientation will lower production costs and enhance competitiveness for export markets,” Oualid said, noting that the program relies on investments in technology and scientific research. Additional agricultural value chains are also being developed, including certain fruit varieties such as banana saplings, reflecting a broader modernization effort across the sector.

Blida as a Model for Technological Adoption

The minister praised Blida as a “model wilaya for the integration of technology and scientific research in agriculture,” highlighting numerous farms that have adopted modern irrigation techniques, high-quality fertilizers, and advanced planting methods. These measures have increased yield, improved quality, and reduced production costs, demonstrating the potential of Algeria’s agricultural modernization drive.

Oualid singled out the “Vitroplant” nursery in Beni Tamou as a prime example of innovation, noting its specialization in rootstocks and fruit trees. The facility produces nearly 15 million plants annually, meeting domestic demand while increasingly expanding into export markets.

From Intensive Farming to Strategic Infrastructure

During his visit, the minister inspected Vitroplant’s production chain, a product of Algerian-Italian collaboration, and toured a local cattle breeding farm. The delegation also visited the pilot farm “Bassatine Yessad” in Mouzaïa, where modern intensive agriculture techniques allow the cultivation of nearly 1,600 trees per hectare—double the previous yield—demonstrating significant productivity gains.

The tour concluded with an inspection of the construction progress of a new grain storage silo in El Affroun, boasting a capacity of one million quintals, scheduled for commissioning by the end of the year. The silo represents a critical infrastructure addition to support Algeria’s efforts toward food security and agricultural self-reliance.