Long based on “archaic” methods, agriculture is today called upon to transform itself, modernize, and rely more heavily on scientific research to achieve the set objectives, particularly increasing production, especially in cereal farming. A path initiated by the Algerian Interprofessional Cereals Office (OAIC), which is equipped with a scientific research directorate that has established bridges with the scientific world.
Charged with organizing the cereals market, supply, regulation, price stabilization, and support for production, the OAIC is adapting and paying particular attention to scientific research. This orientation is illustrated by the number of agreements and partnerships established with specialized institutions and institutes. “The OAIC has signed 27 agreements with universities, has 13 research projects in the national research programs, and 11 partnership agreements with several scientific institutions,” indicated Mohamed Saâdaoui, the communications officer of the Office, this Monday in his statement to National Television, highlighting the OAIC’s strategy in promoting and strengthening the integration of scientific methods, particularly for two strategic sectors, namely cereal farming and legumes.
It should be noted that since its creation in 1962, the OAIC has worked to improve national production. Mr. Saâdaoui noted that the Office has reorganized since 2020 to better adapt to developments, through strengthened reliance on scientific research. “Since 2020, in accordance with the country’s new vision and the orientations of the country’s high authorities, who insist on the need to modernize the agricultural sector and introduce more scientific research to improve production, particularly cereal production, the OAIC has reorganized by creating a department dedicated to the sustainable development of national production, with several directorates, including one dedicated to scientific research and guidance,” explained the Office’s communications officer.
The large number of agreements signed with scientific institutions demonstrates, according to the speaker, “the great interest paid by the OAIC to scientific research.” A sine qua non condition for the development of agriculture and the improvement of production and productivity. “It is impossible to increase agricultural production, have an optimal storage system, and ensure better management of these strategic sectors without scientific research,” affirmed Mr. Saâdaoui, who announced the organization of a study day dedicated to introducing the results of scientific research studies and works into the development of cereals and legumes sectors. The OAIC’s communications officer, who emphasized the continuous support provided to farmers by the organization, did not fail to highlight the human capital on which the Office relies. In this regard, he noted the availability of nearly 700 agronomist engineers who technically support farmers.
This approach by the OAIC, marked by strengthened reliance on scientific methods, thus aligns directly with the orientations of the country’s high authorities. During the last Council of Ministers, the President of the Republic indeed gave a set of instructions related to expanding cultivated agricultural areas, increasing cereal production capacities, in addition to the imperative of adopting scientific methods in all cultivation stages, according to an integrated strategy and with the participation of experts and agronomist engineers.