Algeria expands Sahara wheat project, targets yields of 6 t/ha

Algeria is accelerating the expansion of a large-scale wheat project in the Sahara, developed jointly with Italian agribusiness group Bonifiche Ferraresi. The concession in Timimoun province covers 36 thsd ha, of which around 22–24 thsd ha are suitable for irrigated farming.

Investment in the project is estimated at €420 mln. Production relies on center-pivot irrigation using underground aquifers, while plant nutrients are applied in liquid form through irrigation because sandy soils have limited capacity to retain granular fertilizers.

For the 2026 season, the project is targeting durum wheat yields of 6 t/ha. The first experimental crops have already been harvested, and the platform is now moving into a phase of accelerated expansion across the planned area.

A full value chain is also being developed in Timimoun. Alongside durum wheat and pulses, the project includes grain storage facilities, logistics terminals and pasta plants to keep more value added within the country.

Algeria’s strategic goal is to reduce dependence on durum wheat imports and expand irrigated strategic crop area in the south to 500 thsd ha. The government also plans to attract additional large-scale foreign investment projects.

Tags: wheat, Algeria, сахара