Algeria is banking on domestic production to slash its reliance on banana imports, which drain nearly $300 million annually. A flagship project will establish an in vitro cultivation unit capable of generating up to 10 million plants per year, enabling farmers to cultivate over 4,700 hectares of suitable land and paving the way for self-sufficiency in this vital sector.
Agriculture Minister Yacine Oualid, alongside Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Kamel Baddari, chaired a coordination meeting on Wednesday to unveil two strategic initiatives boosting national farm output, per a ministry statement released the day before yesterday.
In Vitro Banana Plant Drive
The lead effort creates a specialized in vitro unit for plant production, starting with banana plants at up to 10 million units yearly. Led by Constantine’s Biotechnology Research Center in partnership with the Strategic Crops Development Company on its former model farms in eastern Algeria, it will expand to other varieties to curb imports—especially bananas—and meet local demand.
Over 4,700 hectares of prime farmland will be allocated to interested farmers in optimal zones.
Hybrid Seeds Initiative
The second project sets up a dedicated seed production facility for hybrid maize and vegetables, partnering with Tiaret University and the Strategic Crops Development Company. It leverages local research for seeds tailored to Algerian climates.
Implementation Push
The meeting detailed work plans, highlighting available farmland, funding, scientific expertise, and goals like cutting imports while enhancing national product competitiveness. Ministers stressed these steps’ role in food sovereignty and economic value addition, ordering technical teams to launch fieldwork immediately and draft supporting regulations.
Attendees included central staff from both ministries, researchers from Constantine’s Biotechnology Center and Tiaret University, the National Investment Fund’s director-general, and holding company Madar and Strategic Crops Development Company leaders.