Citrus production in Algeria is steadily rising. These results stem from the multiple efforts by public authorities to support this sector, as well as the expansion of land dedicated to citrus production. With significant production levels reaching 18 million quintals, the sector nevertheless faces the challenge of marketing the output.
Alongside strong citrus production (oranges, mandarins, lemons, etc.), disposing of surpluses of these highly sought-after products often poses problems for farmers who don’t always find outlets for their entire harvest. This is why it’s essential to support them and establish mechanisms to help market their production, thereby avoiding any losses.
Export and processing present solutions to absorb the entire output. This issue was raised by Ibrahim Djribia, president of the Algiers wilaya chamber of agriculture, in a statement to the press during the opening of the 4th Algiers Wilaya Citrus Fair, which brings together 70 exhibitors over two days, mainly producers. Highlighting national and Algiers wilaya production volumes, he stressed the need to support all these efforts that have achieved these results.
“Production is good. But it’s necessary to activate other mechanisms, particularly export and processing, so that farmers don’t incur losses,” he specified, confirming that the high production levels recorded are mainly the result of expanding land dedicated to citrus. He cited the example of Algiers wilaya, which now holds a significant place in citrus production. “7,000 hectares are dedicated to citrus production in Algiers wilaya,” he noted, pointing out the “good quality” of these products.
The efforts deployed to develop this sector, particularly in Algiers wilaya, were highlighted by Mr. Djribia, who stated that now “600 to 800 trees are planted instead of 300,” as part of intensive agriculture.
=============== Goal of Producing Over 18 Million Quintals
The development achieved by the citrus sector in recent years was also emphasized by Mohamed Nadji, president of the Interprofessional Citrus Council (CNIF/Citrus), who noted that citrus production in 2018 was around 12 to 13 million quintals, with land dedicated to citrus not exceeding 60,000 hectares. “Currently, this area ranges between 85,000 and 90,000 hectares. We are increasing annually thanks to intensive agriculture. Before, it was 200 to 250 trees per hectare; now it’s between 600 and 800 per hectare,” he specified in a statement to Le Jeune Indépendant, also noting advances in irrigation and electrification of agricultural holdings, in implementation of the President’s instructions.
Without committing to an exact figure, the CNIF president estimates that citrus production could exceed 18 million quintals this year. He nevertheless stressed the need to ensure marketing of this substantial output through opening up exports, as well as developing processing.
“We can raise production to 20 million quintals and increase the exploited area to 100,000 hectares, but on the condition that we guarantee the marketing of the production,” he clarified, also noting the impact of this large production on citrus prices, such as lemons, which are now sold at an accessible price of around 100 DA per kilo.