The Algerian-Italian joint venture, BF El Djazaïr, is set to launch its second planting season in October, marking a significant milestone in the development of a major agro-industrial project in Timimoun, southern Algeria. The project, launched in July 2024, involves an investment of $420 million from the Algerian National Investment Fund (FNI) and Italian conglomerate Bonifiche Ferraresi (BF). According to Bruno Santorelli, director of BF El Djazaïr, the project is progressing as planned.
The integrated project encompasses the exploitation of 36,000 hectares of land, with 24,000 hectares dedicated to agricultural production, including wheat, chickpeas, lentils, dry beans, and corn. The project also involves the construction of irrigation systems, storage silos, and food processing plants, including a pasta production facility. Santorelli emphasized that the Algerian side has fulfilled its obligations, providing the necessary capital, land, and water resources.
Effective water management is a crucial aspect of the project, given the arid region's limited rainfall. To address this challenge, BF El Djazaïr plans to construct wells, distribution networks, and pivot irrigation systems, which will be integrated with precision agriculture tools and digital mapping. This approach aims to optimize water usage and boost productivity per unit of water used.
The project is expected to generate significant social benefits, including the creation of 6,700 jobs, with 1,560 direct positions. Additionally, the project may lead to the creation of indirect jobs in transportation, maintenance, logistics, and technical services. Santorelli expressed confidence in the project's progress, citing the normal administrative procedures associated with large-scale investments.
The joint venture, BF El Djazaïr, is a partnership between the Algerian National Investment Fund (FNI) and Bonifiche Ferraresi (BF), Italy's largest agro-industrial company. The project's development has been closely watched by industry observers, given its potential to enhance Algeria's agricultural productivity and food security.
Algeria has been seeking to boost its agricultural sector, with a focus on increasing domestic production and reducing reliance on imports. The BF El Djazaïr project is seen as a key initiative in this effort, with the potential to make a significant contribution to the country's wheat production. The project's progress will be closely monitored in the coming months.
The second planting season is set to begin in October, marking a critical phase in the project's development. With the necessary infrastructure and resources in place, BF El Djazaïr is poised to make significant strides in the production of wheat and other crops. The project's success will depend on various factors, including the efficient management of water resources and the realization of its social and economic benefits.
Key points
- The project aims to produce wheat and other crops on 24,000 hectares of land in Timimoun, southern Algeria.
- The project involves an investment of $420 million from the Algerian National Investment Fund (FNI) and Italian conglomerate Bonifiche Ferraresi (BF).
- The project is expected to generate 6,700 jobs, with 1,560 direct positions.
