The National Chamber of Agriculture, in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Maritime Fisheries, has issued a statement outlining urgent measures to control prices of widely consumed agricultural products and ensure market stability. These measures follow a meeting between the Prime Minister and representatives of the agricultural community, where the government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens' purchasing power and providing support to farmers as a cornerstone of national food security.

The statement announced a crackdown on speculators and intermediaries, emphasizing that any manipulation of the food supply will not be tolerated. All supply chains, from production to consumption, will be subject to strict oversight by relevant authorities, with judicial follow-up for those who store products outside authorized frameworks. The government has also decided to immediately release stocks to control prices, particularly for potatoes and chicken.

The government has set a price ceiling for potatoes: between 70 and 80 Algerian dinars (DZD) per kilogram at the farm gate, between 80 and 90 DZD in wholesale markets, and between 80 and 90 DZD at retail level. This move aims to prevent price gouging and ensure affordability for consumers. The authorities have also pledged to provide continuous support to farmers to encourage national production.

To facilitate the importation of essential inputs, the government has established a "green channel" at the Ministry of Agriculture. This initiative will streamline the importation of agricultural inputs and production means, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Trade. These materials will be exempt from registration on the digital platform to ensure rapid supply and availability in the market.

The measures are designed to address the concerns of both farmers and consumers. By controlling prices and ensuring a stable supply of essential products, the government aims to protect the purchasing power of Algerian citizens. The support for farmers is also expected to boost national production, contributing to food security and reducing reliance on imports.

The government's commitment to monitoring supply chains and enforcing regulations is seen as a critical component of these measures. By holding speculators and intermediaries accountable, the authorities aim to prevent market manipulation and ensure that products are available at fair prices. This approach is expected to help stabilize the market and build trust among consumers.

The implementation of these measures will be closely monitored, with the government expected to provide regular updates on their effectiveness. The Ministry of Agriculture and relevant authorities will work together to ensure that the objectives are met, and that the measures have a positive impact on the market and the lives of Algerian citizens.

Key points

  • The Algerian government has introduced emergency measures to control prices of essential agricultural products and protect citizens' purchasing power.
  • A price ceiling has been set for potatoes, and the government has pledged to provide continuous support to farmers to encourage national production.
  • The government has established a "green channel" to facilitate the importation of essential inputs and has committed to monitoring supply chains to prevent market manipulation.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.