Oualid announces a program to modernize agricultural equipment

Speaking during an inspection of farms in this province, the minister described the initiative as part of a comprehensive approach based on the modernisation of agricultural mechanisation and the improvement of production conditions, also announcing plans to work towards the creation of cooperatives responsible for managing mechanisation and the regular maintenance of equipment.

This vision, he emphasised, "is fully in line with the guidelines given by the President of the Republic, Mr Abdelmadjid Tebboune, on various occasions."

In the same context, Oualid announced a series of measures aimed at achieving food security and increasing yields, intending to reach an overall average yield of more than 30 quintals per hectare (Qx/ha) for various strategic crops, notably through the use of modern techniques, high-quality seeds and technical support in the field.

He added, during a visit to a farm in the municipality of Hassi El-Gara, that the sector is monitoring farmers and providing them with technical support, particularly those farms that have achieved yields exceeding 100 quintals per hectare in grain maize production.

The Minister assured that the necessary resources, particularly harvesters, had been mobilised and that efforts were being made to provide dryers at cereal and fodder collection centres, in addition to the construction of a central dryer in this province, with a view to facilitating the early harvest of grain maize and ensuring that its quality was preserved.

The ministry, he added, will work to provide agricultural investors with varieties of seeds, enabling them to improve yields per hectare and thus the competitiveness of national production.

Having listened to the grievances of agricultural investors, which focused in particular on connecting the electricity grid, opening of access roads, the availability of durum wheat seeds and the strengthening of agricultural mechanisation, the minister said he was aware of the constraints faced by farmers.

He also pointed out that the province of El-Meniaa has made significant progress in terms of electrification and agricultural road projects, calling for concerted efforts and adherence to the national strategy aimed at achieving self-sufficiency and reducing the import bill, supported by favourable conditions, including soil fertility and water quality.