Algeria, struggling with a shortage of combine harvesters for its cereal crop, is accelerating agricultural mechanization. The country's agriculture sector requires machinery and equipment suitable for its southern and high-plateau regions, where farming is expanding rapidly. Algerian representatives recently attended the 47th EIMA (International Exhibition of Agricultural and Gardening Machinery) in Bologna, Italy, to explore opportunities in the Italian market. The exhibition, held from November 10-14, featured 1700 exhibitors showcasing the latest agricultural innovations.
The Algerian delegation, which included representatives from the agricultural sector, met with Italian officials to identify equipment suitable for Algerian farms. They observed advanced machinery, including tracked tractors and combine harvesters capable of carrying up to 20,000 liters of grain. Abdellatif Dilmi, Secretary-General of the National Union of Algerian Peasants (UNPA), stated that Algeria's agriculture sector is developing rapidly and requires more powerful equipment for the southern and high-plateau regions.
The southern region of Algeria is also a significant producer of potatoes, and the sector requires adapted and efficient machinery. Mohamed Touam, Secretary-General of the National Interprofessional Potato Council (CNIF), emphasized the need for large-scale potato production in the south to increase yields and quality. He noted that the El Oued region alone accounts for 40% of national production and that other regions, such as El Ménéa, In Salah, and Ouargla, are expected to follow.
However, the high prices of new equipment pose a challenge for Algerian farmers. A tracked combine harvester with a nearly 11-meter-wide cutting bar was priced at €415,000 (approximately 60 million Algerian dinars) at the exhibition. To overcome this hurdle, Algerian farmers are considering cooperative purchasing, acquiring used equipment in good condition, and seeking state assistance. The Algerian government allows the importation of used agricultural equipment up to 7 years old, introduced in the 2023 finance law.
Ahcene Guedmani, President of the National Federation of Potato Producers, noted that state support includes favorable banking rates and adapted repayment periods, conditional on the creation of agricultural cooperatives. The Algerian Consul in Milan highlighted the excellent relations between Algeria and Italy, which can facilitate exchanges with Italian manufacturers, known for their modern and developed agricultural machinery industry.
The Algerian delegation's visit to the EIMA exhibition aims to leverage these relationships and explore opportunities for acquiring suitable equipment. By importing used or new machinery, Algeria seeks to enhance its agricultural productivity and meet its growing food demands. The country's agricultural sector is a significant contributor to its economy, and investments in machinery and equipment are crucial for its development.
Algeria's exploration of the Italian agricultural machinery market is a strategic move to address its equipment needs. With the support of state initiatives and cooperative purchasing, Algerian farmers can access the necessary machinery to boost their productivity and competitiveness. The country's agricultural sector is poised for growth, driven by its expanding farming activities in the southern and high-plateau regions.
Key points
- Algeria is seeking to acquire agricultural equipment from Italy to boost its mechanization and productivity.
- The country's agricultural sector requires machinery suitable for its southern and high-plateau regions.
- Algerian farmers are exploring cooperative purchasing and used equipment options due to high prices of new machinery.
