(MENAFN) President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria has highlighted significant achievements in the agricultural sector, emphasizing the country's progress towards achieving complete self-sufficiency in durum wheat production. During a recent Council of Ministers meeting, President Tebboune underscored that Algeria is on the brink of achieving full self-sufficiency, with current production levels reaching 80% of the nation's durum wheat needs. This milestone has resulted in substantial savings of USD1.2 billion that would have otherwise been spent on importing this essential commodity, bolstering the state treasury.

The meeting's statement detailed President Tebboune's strategic directives, including plans to expand cultivated areas in the Great South region to 500,000 hectares. Additionally, he emphasized the cultivation and proper harvest timing of corn to optimize yields, ensuring crops are harvested at optimal maturity levels to enhance productivity.

Highlighting international investments in Algeria's agricultural sector, President Tebboune noted significant commitments, such as Qatar's investment in 117,000 hectares and Italy's involvement in 36,000 hectares. In comparison, national investments have been estimated at 120,000 hectares, reflecting a concerted effort to leverage both domestic and international resources for agricultural development.

President Tebboune also stressed the importance of farmer involvement in educational initiatives aimed at improving agricultural productivity. Particularly in southern regions, where natural resources like water and electricity are abundant, he emphasized the potential for achieving high yields per hectare, setting a benchmark of at least 55 quintals per hectare. These efforts underscore Algeria's strategic focus on agricultural self-sufficiency and sustainable economic growth, aligning with broader national development objectives. 

MENAFN27062024000045015682ID1108380303