An Italian delegation comprising engineers commenced a field visit today in the Wilaya of Timimoun, south-central Algeria, as part of preparations for the launch of an Algerian-Italian partnership project focused on strategic agriculture. The project spans an area of 36,000 hectares for the 2024/2025 agricultural season, according to officials from the Directorate of Agricultural Services in the wilaya.
This visit aligns with the implementation of an agreement signed between the two nations regarding this large-scale agricultural initiative. The project aims to bolster the partnership between Algeria and Italy while enhancing the national economy’s capabilities.
In the coming days, the project will initiate activities such as drilling wells and procuring pivot sprinklers and other necessary equipment, stated Toufik Ben Mansour, Director of Agricultural Services.
Souna Ben Amr, the Wali of Timimoun, explained that the allocated land for this significant agricultural endeavor, estimated at 36,000 hectares, is situated within the “Mguidene” agricultural perimeter under the Green Corridor plan. This decision followed a thorough study of soil quality and the availability of underground water.
He also mentioned that an area has been designated for establishing a food industry complex. This major project is expected to create over 6,070 jobs, including 1,520 permanent positions, thereby providing university and institute graduates with stable employment opportunities and helping to reduce unemployment.
Mr. Souna Ben Amr emphasized that this substantial agricultural development will increase the region’s area dedicated to strategic crops such as cereals and dry legumes. Additionally, the economic significance of the food industry complex will contribute to wealth creation and support the national economy.
The governor further highlighted that this extensive agricultural project reflects the government’s strategy to diversify the national economy and reduce dependency on hydrocarbons.
On this occasion, he called upon investors and business owners interested in investing in Timimoun to seize this opportunity, facilitated by the state’s political will to develop agriculture in the south. He assured that the wilaya’s services are committed to providing all necessary support and assistance to investors in establishing model farms for strategic agriculture. Currently, the wilaya encompasses a total cultivable area of 370,000 hectares.
