The Algerian province of El-Oued is known for its significant potato production, with an estimated annual output of over 16 million quintals. This production is divided into two agricultural campaigns: the out-of-season potato crop, which yields over 12 million quintals, and the seasonal potato crop, which produces over 3.8 million quintals. According to the local agricultural authorities, the out-of-season potato is the most sought-after variety on the national market.
The out-of-season potato is cultivated on an area of 35,000 hectares, which accounts for 35% of the total agricultural land exploited in the province, estimated to be around 100,000 hectares. The president of the El-Oued Agricultural Chamber, Djelloul Othmani, stated that the production volumes and cultivated areas have remained stable over the past six agricultural seasons, from 2020-2021 to 2025-2026. The cultivation of out-of-season potatoes typically takes place from mid-August to mid-September.
The harvesting of out-of-season potatoes begins in mid-November and continues until mid-February. In contrast, the seasonal potato is cultivated between mid-January and mid-March, and harvested from mid-May to the end of July, with an estimated production of 3.8 million quintals. This crop is grown on an area of 11,000 hectares, accounting for 31% of the total area dedicated to potato cultivation. However, the area allocated to seasonal potato cultivation has decreased due to climatic hazards.
The decrease in seasonal potato cultivation is attributed to strong winds that occur from February to May, which negatively impact crop maturation and yields. Despite preventive measures, such as the installation of windbreaks, the effects of these winds are still significant. The El-Oued province is home to several agricultural communes, with nine of them being particularly dedicated to potato cultivation.
These communes have vast agricultural lands that offer substantial production capacities for this staple food. In recent years, El-Oued province has ranked first nationally in terms of potato production, accounting for 40 to 60% of the country's total production. Potato cultivation represents 60% of the local plant production value. The province's agricultural sector plays a vital role in the national economy.
The launch of the potato harvest is scheduled for November 20, according to the El-Oued Wali, Larbi Bahloul. This campaign aims to ensure the availability of potatoes on the national market and maintain price stability. Several stakeholders in the agricultural and commercial sectors have expressed their confidence in the ability of the province's potato production to meet national market demands.
During the harvest season, around 450 trucks loaded with potatoes leave the province's agricultural fields daily, heading to various markets across the country, with an average load of nearly 100 quintals. The president of the Agricultural Chamber estimates that this number can more than double during peak harvest periods, between December 15 and January 15.
Key points
- The El-Oued province produces over 16 million quintals of potatoes annually.
- The out-of-season potato crop accounts for over 12 million quintals of the annual production.
- The province's potato production meets a significant portion of the national market demands.
