Algeria Launches Potato Stock Release in Four Regions

The Algerian government has launched a potato stock release operation in four regions: Aïn Defla, Médéa, Boumerdès, and Bouira. This initiative aims to increase the market supply of potatoes and stabilize prices. The stocks, stored in cold chambers, were accumulated to regulate the market. According to the trade authorities, operators in fruits and vegetables are invited to approach the trade services to identify the concerned warehouses.

The release of stocks is part of a broader strategy agreed upon by an inter-ministerial council on October 1. An agreement was reached with representatives of agricultural sectors, farms, and cold chamber operators to set a producer price of 60-70 Algerian dinars per kilogram and a retail price of 80-90 dinars per kilogram. Local trade authorities have been instructed to monitor price adherence and submit daily reports to the central administration.

In Boumerdès, 3,510 kilograms of potatoes were removed from sale at the wholesale market on November 3, according to the local trade authority. Additionally, the agricultural services department reported that approximately 6,700 tons of late-season potatoes are stored and will be released into the market progressively. This comes after 316 tons were sold in September.

In Médéa, 1,200 quintals (120 tons) of potatoes have been released from cold chambers in the Sedraya commune, with further releases announced from Guelb El Kebir warehouses. However, two sales points in the region sold potatoes at 50 dinars per kilogram, below the agreed price. The government aims to stabilize prices through this stock release.

The potato stock release mechanism has been in place since 2008, when the Syrpalac system was created to mitigate price fluctuations. Two public operators, ONILEV and SARPA, currently implement this system. SARPA was established in August 2023 under the supervision of the Agrolog group. The storage relies on conventional cold chambers and a prime paid to operators.

The agricultural calendar significantly influences potato production. In Aflou, Laghouat, agricultural services expected 877,100 quintals from 3,032 hectares, with a harvest extending into November. This compares to 1.4 million quintals from 4,800 hectares the previous year. El Oued is the leading producer of late-season potatoes, accounting for 45% of the national total.

The government’s efforts to control prices and ensure a stable supply of potatoes are ongoing. The release of stored potatoes aims to meet demand and regulate prices in key regions. Monitoring and control measures are in place to ensure compliance with agreed prices. The impact of these measures on the market and consumer prices remains to be seen.

Key points

• Algeria releases potato stocks to stabilize market prices in four regions.
• The government sets producer and retail prices for potatoes.
• The stock release is part of a broader strategy to regulate the market.