The Algerian province of Bouira is seeking investors to develop its industrial tomato production sector. A recent information and awareness day organized by the Bouira Chamber of Agriculture drew several dozen farmers. According to Zenouche, Secretary General of the Chamber, the sector has considerable potential but has yet to attract many farmers. The event aimed to promote the production of industrial tomatoes and encourage farmers to explore this opportunity.
Industrial tomato production is a significant sector in Algeria, with the crop covering 12,173 hectares, accounting for 57.36% of the country's industrial crop area. Tomato production stands at 3,822,731 quintals, making up 95.57% of the country's total industrial crop production. Lamara from the Technical Institute for Industrial Vegetable Crops highlighted the importance of industrial tomatoes in Algeria's agricultural economy. She presented various techniques for producing industrial tomatoes to farmers and industrialists.
Lamara discussed the different types of tomatoes grown in Algeria, including fixed and hybrid varieties. The most commonly grown varieties include Rio Grande, Elgon, and Sabra. She also highlighted the main production areas, which are concentrated in the east, center, and west of the country. The expert emphasized the need for careful handling and harvesting of tomatoes to ensure high-quality produce.
According to Lamara, the yield of industrial tomatoes varies between 40 and 120 tonnes per hectare, depending on the quality of care and climatic conditions. Weather conditions, such as hot winds, can significantly impact production. Zenouche emphasized the importance of working with industrial partners to improve production techniques and increase yields.
Abdelhamid Ouchrif, owner of four tomato processing units, believes that Bouira is well-suited for industrial tomato production due to its fertile land and climate. He aims to work with local farmers to develop the sector and create new job opportunities. Ouchrif has experience in developing tomato production in other regions, including Adrar and Naâma.
Lamara identified several constraints that need to be addressed to develop the industrial tomato sector in Bouira, including technical, organizational, and socio-economic challenges. She emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to overcome these obstacles and ensure the sector's growth.
The development of industrial tomato production in Bouira is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and create new job opportunities. The sector's growth will depend on the involvement of investors, farmers, and industrial partners. A convention is expected to be signed between the Chamber of Agriculture and industrial partners to support the development of the sector.
Key points
- The Algerian province of Bouira is seeking investors to develop its industrial tomato production sector, which has considerable potential but has yet to attract many farmers.
- Industrial tomato production is a significant sector in Algeria, accounting for 95.57% of the country's total industrial crop production.
- The development of industrial tomato production in Bouira is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and create new job opportunities.
