Minister of Agriculture Yacine Oualid presented new measures before the National People’s Assembly to broaden agricultural insurance, protecting farmers from climate-related disasters. He announced the development of new formulas, modernization of products from the National Agricultural Mutual Insurance Fund (CNMA), introduction of drought-resistant seeds, and strengthening of animal health to secure agricultural production and support farmers.
The minister specified that the CNMA is working to modernize and develop its insurance products to provide comprehensive protection against climate risks. New adapted formulas are under study to cover all agricultural productions—plant and animal—particularly the grain sector, which is highly vulnerable to climate hazards.
A new insurance system against climate-related catastrophes, such as drought and winds, is currently being reviewed. It will complement the CNMA’s existing classic formulas, which cover frost, fires, floods, and yield losses.
The minister highlighted the intensification in recent years of adverse weather effects on the agricultural sector, citing prolonged droughts, low rainfall, rising temperatures, and declining production, especially for rain-fed crops. This has prompted the sector to enhance farmer support and raise awareness about the importance of agricultural insurance and modern farming systems.
Reviewing the CNMA’s record, Oualid noted that in 2024, 4,233 insured farmers in 40 provinces were compensated for over 387 million dinars, compared to 133 million dinars in 2023 across 33 provinces. He also recalled compensation for farmers affected by the 2023 drought, covered by the public treasury, pending a sustainable insurance system for this phenomenon.
Additionally, the minister announced the upcoming introduction of new drought- and disease-resistant seed varieties, developed with universities and research centers, along with gradual strengthening of local seed production. On animal health, he reported opening the sector to private veterinary labs and bolstering the public network, including the planned creation of a new veterinary lab in Djelfa province.