ALGIERS – The Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune emphasised on Tuesday that Algeria has made food security a strategic priority, in a world where food is becoming one of the most powerful and influential weapons.
At the outset of his speech delivered during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Union of Algerian Farmers, President Tebboune expressed his gratitude to Algerian farmers for their hard work in ensuring the continued supply of agricultural products during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“They took on this challenge with the support of the state, which aided their efforts and assisted in increasing production, supporting investors, and engaging stakeholders in the sector,” the president said.
The Algerian President reiterated the strategic importance of modernising agriculture and utilising modern technologies to advance farming and rural life.
“We aim to develop the country’s vast agricultural potential and increase production levels, as we believe in the necessity of gradually implementing sustainable and guaranteed alternatives, which will reduce Algeria’s dependence on oil revenues,” he emphasised.
On this occasion, President Tebboune highlighted several decisions and measures that have been implemented and are continuously being carried out in the field. These include increasing support for essential products, such as raising the purchase price of wheat and dry legumes from farmers, boosting fertiliser subsidies to 50% of their reference price to mitigate the impact of rising global prices, and connecting tens of thousands of agricultural investments and farms to the electrical grid.
“The goal behind these decisions and actions was to accompany and support farmers and to create opportunities for the new generation of agricultural engineers through micro-enterprises and start-ups. We rely on them to make the transition toward modernising agriculture and achieving self-sufficiency in strategic crops in the near future, particularly hard wheat, yellow corn, and barley,” the President added.
The President shed light on commitments to reclaiming one million hectares for irrigation, especially in Algeria’s southern regions, by 2027. Moreover, he underscored that the field is open to both Algerian and foreign investors, particularly given the advantages and facilities available to support the implementation of their projects.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune reiterated the importance of the third national agricultural census, which he initiated as part of his focus on digitalisation and the critical role of accurate data and statistics in shaping development policies. He stated, “We are awaiting the preliminary results, which will save time and effort in realising our vision to advance the agricultural sector and identify resources to achieve maximum self-sufficiency.”
President Tebboune expressed his confidence in the ability of farmers to achieve the desired results in the near future regarding self-sufficiency and food security. He called on them to mobilise more in the field, saying, “I invite them, on this 50th anniversary of the Union of Algerian Farmers, along with breeders, producers, and all stakeholders, to intensify their efforts in the field, as I am confident in their deep connection to our pure and generous land and their awareness of the challenges ahead.” He added, “I also extend my support to our ambitious youth, who are investing in agriculture across various branches. We rely on them, with their vitality, competence, and expertise in agricultural sciences and techniques, to bring about a broad agricultural renaissance that reflects the capabilities and potential of Algeria, a country blessed with the qualities of a promising, ascending nation.”
