Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has instructed the Minister of Agriculture and the Secretary General of the Government to allocate a special cabinet meeting to the agriculture sector. This decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by the President, reflecting the government's focus on the sector's development. Experts have welcomed this move, citing the sector's significant contributions to the national economy.
The agriculture sector has become the second-largest contributor to Algeria's economy, accounting for approximately 15% of the country's GDP. The sector's output has exceeded $37 billion, with Algeria achieving self-sufficiency in several key areas, including vegetables, fruits, and hard wheat. According to economic expert Mourad Kouachi, the country's efforts to organize and digitize the sector have been instrumental in its success.
Algeria has made significant strides in reducing its reliance on imports, particularly in the wheat sector. Once the world's largest importer of wheat, the country has made substantial progress in increasing domestic production. Experts attribute this success to the government's initiatives, including investments in agricultural infrastructure and the implementation of policies aimed at supporting local farmers.
Economic expert Abdelrahman Hadf notes that the dedicated cabinet meeting will provide an opportunity to assess the sector's current state and take measures to improve its efficiency. He highlights the significant progress made in ensuring food security, with the sector playing a crucial role in meeting the country's needs. The meeting is expected to focus on supporting large-scale projects, particularly in priority areas such as grains, milk, and meat production.
The meeting will also review measures to support the activities of various bodies under the sector's umbrella, including those responsible for organizing agricultural land and regulating the milk industry. Experts emphasize the importance of these institutions in promoting investment and improving the availability of staple products.
Agricultural expert Lahlou Boukhalfa praises the decision to allocate a cabinet meeting to the agriculture sector, noting that it coincides with significant transformations in the sector. He highlights the ongoing preparations for a revised agricultural guidance law, which will enable a more tailored approach to supporting different agricultural sectors and regions.
Algeria now covers around 75% of its agricultural needs with local production, with significant increases in areas such as vegetables, fruits, and hard wheat. The government is implementing large-scale agricultural projects nationwide, in line with President Tebboune's strategic vision for the sector.
Key points
- The Algerian government has allocated a special cabinet meeting to discuss the agriculture sector, highlighting its strategic importance and recent successes.
- The sector has made significant contributions to the national economy, accounting for approximately 15% of GDP.
- Algeria has achieved self-sufficiency in several key areas, including vegetables, fruits, and hard wheat.
