Wadi Souf…a pioneering agricultural model in the heart of the Algerian desert
Wadi will lead agricultural production in Algeria
The challenges continue
Al-Wadi – Abdul Qadir Mam:
Despite its harsh desert nature, Oued Souf Province continues to impose itself as one of the most important agricultural production poles in Algeria, achieving record numbers in potato and tomato production, at a time when the region’s farmers are waiting for more support to face the increasing challenges.
Potato production exceeds 12 million quintals
Sources from the Directorate of Agricultural Services in the Valley revealed that potato production during the current season may exceed the threshold of 12 million quintals, which represents about 25% of the total national production, which reflects the dynamism of farmers and their professionalism in managing desert crops.
Tomatoes achieve unprecedented growth
In the same context, the state’s Chamber of Agriculture expected that field tomato production this season would exceed 5.2 million quintals, recording a 13% increase compared to last season, thanks to expansions in cultivated areas and the adoption of modern irrigation methods.
A strong start towards export
In a qualitative step to support the local agricultural product, a shipment containing 25 tons of potatoes was exported from El Oued Airport to the Canary Islands in Spain. This process was considered a real starting signal to expand the horizons of agricultural exports directly from southern Algeria, especially after preparing dedicated floors at the airport to facilitate the transportation of fresh products by air.
Challenges worrying farmers
Despite the successes, several obstacles still burden the valley’s farmers, the most prominent of which are the absence of sufficient cold stores, weak means of transportation, and the absence of agricultural conversion units that enable increasing the added value of the products, in addition to difficulties in marketing the surplus internally and externally.
A collective demand for sustainable support
Through various professional organizations, farmers are calling on the state to continue supporting this dynamic by providing tax incentives, expanding soft financing programs, and investing in agricultural infrastructure, especially those related to transportation, storage, and transformation.
A successful model in the heart of the Algerian desert
Wadi Souf’s experience in desert agriculture has become a model to be emulated at the national level, and is living proof of the ability of the Algerian person to adapt the environment and achieve food sovereignty, provided that support and strategic planning continue to accompany this momentum.
Source: New East
