The Algerian province of Bouira is expecting a significant increase in cereal production this year, with nearly 2 million quintaux anticipated, according to recent statistics from the local agricultural services. This year's production is expected to surpass last year's total of 1.6 million quintaux. The improvement is attributed to favorable climatic conditions, including substantial rainfall during the winter and spring.
The 2017-2018 campaign was marked by severe drought and water stress, resulting in reduced production. However, this year's conditions have been more favorable, with adequate rainfall and suitable temperatures supporting cereal crops. Local agricultural services cite the use of deep plowing, herbicides, and suitable seed varieties as additional factors contributing to the expected high yield.
According to the Bouira DSA, the expected production breakdown is over 1 million quintaux of hard wheat, 200,000 quintaux of soft wheat, 492,000 quintaux of barley, and more than 25,000 quintaux of oats. The province has dedicated significant areas to cereal cultivation, including over 39,000 hectares for hard wheat, 12,000 hectares for soft wheat, 16,000 hectares for barley, and 1,700 hectares for oats.
The yield per hectare has been reported at 25 quintaux at the start of the harvest season. The ongoing harvest and threshing campaign is in full swing across the province, particularly in regions such as El Hachimia, Aïn Bessem, El-Esnam, and M’Chedallah, which have large agricultural areas dedicated to cereal production.
To support the harvest, local authorities have mobilized substantial resources, including 280 combine harvesters, 2,500 tractors, 1,800 trailers, and 1,400 water tanks. The transportation of the harvested crop to storage facilities has begun, with 11 storage points across the province having a combined capacity of 780,000 quintaux.
One of the storage facilities, located in the city center of Bouira, has been particularly busy, with a steady stream of deliveries reported. The successful harvest and storage of the cereal crop are expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and food security.
The favorable production conditions and substantial yield are expected to boost the local economy and contribute to Algeria's overall food security. The provincial authorities are working to ensure a smooth harvest and storage process, with a focus on maximizing the benefits of the successful cereal production.
Key points
- Bouira, Algeria expects nearly 2 million quintaux of cereal production this year.
- The production increase is attributed to favorable climatic conditions and improved agricultural practices.
- The harvest and threshing campaign is in full swing, with substantial resources mobilized to support the process.
