Tizi Ouzou Hosts Agricultural Awareness Day

The Algerian province of Tizi Ouzou recently hosted its annual Agricultural Awareness Day, an event aimed at promoting the development of the agricultural sector through education and training. The event, held at the Institute of Technology and Specialized Agricultural Equipment (ITMAS) in Boukhalfa, was organized by the Tizi Ouzou Directorate of Agricultural Services in collaboration with local agricultural chambers, banks, technical institutes, and veterinary laboratories. The event's slogan, "One tree for every citizen," reflects the importance of reforestation and environmental conservation.

The event drew a large crowd of over 50 farmers from various regions and agricultural districts of Tizi Ouzou, including areas such as Tizi Ouzou, Draâ Ben Khedda, Béni Douala, and Larbaâ Nath Irathen. Exhibitions showcasing various agricultural products and techniques were presented by participants, covering sectors such as poultry farming, beekeeping, olive cultivation, cereal production, and animal husbandry. The event provided a platform for farmers to share their experiences, exchange ideas, and learn about new developments in the sector.

In his opening speech, Tizi Ouzou Wali Mohamed Djamaâ emphasized the crucial role of education and training in achieving success in agriculture. He highlighted the efforts made by central authorities to develop the sector and stressed the need for mastery of production means and techniques. Djamaâ encouraged young people to invest in agriculture, citing the sector's potential for growth and its importance in achieving food self-sufficiency.

The event also featured an awards ceremony for the best farmers in various categories, organized by the Tizi Ouzou Agricultural Chamber. A total of 74 farmers participated in the competition, which was sponsored by companies such as DANONE and the Caisse Régionale de Mutualité Agricole (CRMA). The winners received prizes and recognition for their outstanding contributions to the sector.

The awards ceremony saw Mamouni Kamel of Draâ El Mizan receive the first prize in cereal production, while Zemouche Smail of Boumahni won the top prize in olive cultivation. Other winners included Aït Issad Kamel of Tboukirth in dairy cattle breeding, Tarmoul Ali of Mâatkas in beekeeping, and Bouhadoune Djaffar of Tigzirt in rabbit breeding. The event also recognized the contributions of agricultural extension agents and honored them with prizes.

The farmers in attendance also had the opportunity to express their concerns and challenges, including the impact of climate change, forest fires, and the high cost of animal feed. According to Mme Abbes Nouara, a cadre and expert at the Tizi Ouzou Directorate of Agricultural Services, the event provided a valuable opportunity for farmers to share their experiences and for the authorities to listen to their concerns.

The Agricultural Awareness Day event concluded with a call to action, encouraging investment in the sector and promoting the importance of reforestation and environmental conservation. The event demonstrated the commitment of the Algerian authorities to developing the agricultural sector and achieving food self-sufficiency. Key initiatives, such as the launch of tree-planting programs and the provision of support to farmers, are expected to contribute to the sector's growth and development.

Key points

• The event promoted education and training as key factors in achieving success in agriculture.
• The awards ceremony recognized the outstanding contributions of farmers in various categories.
• The event highlighted the challenges faced by farmers, including climate change, forest fires, and high animal feed costs.