The Algerian Professional Grain Office (OAIC) announced that grain cooperatives under its supervision have begun preparing for the 2026-2027 harvest season. This preparation is in line with instructions from the Ministry of Agriculture to mobilize necessary means, including fertilizers, seeds, and other agricultural inputs, to guarantee the success of the campaign. The OAIC held a national meeting with grain cooperative managers and unions to assess their readiness for the upcoming season.
The meeting aimed to provide guidance and instructions to ensure a smooth start to the campaign across all concerned regions. This includes providing all necessary agricultural inputs on time while ensuring good service to farmers and coordinating with local agricultural services, chambers of agriculture, and the National Union of Algerian Farmers. The goal is to address the concerns of farmers affected by bad weather during the previous season and support their entry into production for the new season.
Algerian farmers will benefit from several facilities to obtain production inputs through easy loans. These include the "Mourid" loan, introduced last season for small farmers facing difficult situations, allowing them to purchase seeds, fertilizers, and plant protection products without upfront payment. The repayment of these loans is scheduled after the harvest and sale of the crop. Additionally, the "Rafiq" loan, an interest-free seasonal loan, has been approved to acquire production means for agricultural investors.
The Ministry of Agriculture aims to increase the areas allocated to grain production and improve productivity per hectare by supporting farmers and adopting new seed varieties capable of withstanding natural factors such as drought. This effort is part of achieving food security, in line with instructions from the President of the Republic to achieve self-sufficiency in strategic agricultural products.
The OAIC, in execution of the Ministry of Agriculture's directives, has prepared a sufficient stock of seeds and production inputs at various sales points under its grain and dry legume cooperatives. These stocks include seeds for wheat (both hard and soft), barley, and legumes such as chickpeas and lentils, as well as oilseed rape, all of which are crucial for strategic crops that the state relies on to achieve food security.
Local agricultural services have established monitoring cells for the harvest season in production areas to accompany farmers through all stages of crop growth. They provide practical guidance on the optimal use of plant protection materials. Last year, several field trips and awareness days were organized for farmers to improve productivity and enhance grain quality and quantity to cover a significant portion of needs and reduce imports.
The Algerian government is working on several fronts to support the agricultural sector, including the development of a national strategy to protect cities from floods, investment in the hydrogen sector, and enhancing digital infrastructure. These efforts reflect a broader strategy to achieve sustainable development and improve the quality of life for Algerian citizens.
Key points
- The Algerian Professional Grain Office has started preparing for the 2026-2027 harvest season by mobilizing necessary agricultural inputs.
- The Ministry of Agriculture aims to increase grain production and improve productivity per hectare.
- Algerian farmers will have access to easy loans to purchase seeds, fertilizers, and other production inputs.
