In a historic agreement between the Algerian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Qatari Company Baladna, a massive $3.5 billion project to build the world’s largest integrated dairy for milk powder production in Algeria has officially begun. The groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of the first phase of the project, where exploratory wells for groundwater were drilled across the allocated land. The Governor of Adrar province, Al-Arabi Bahloul, along with other dignitaries and representatives from both parties, were present to witness the commencement of the works.
The drilling of exploratory wells is a crucial step to study the groundwater nature for the optimal design of wells, ensuring sustainability and preservation for the project’s benefit and future generations. Baladna is committed to utilizing modern technologies to monitor and minimize groundwater consumption, integrating data from meteorological stations and satellite images. The Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development highlighted the importance of this project in promoting investment to fulfill national needs, reduce imports, and enhance food security according to Algeria’s strategic goals.
The Baladna project aims to revolutionize the vital food sectors, particularly dairy products, contributing to food security and reducing import bills. With over 270,000 cows and the production of 1.7 billion liters of milk annually, the project will set new standards in agricultural automation, cow breeding methods, and dairy industry practices. Cutting-edge irrigation methods like drip irrigation and pivot irrigation will be implemented to reduce water consumption, along with precision sensors to measure soil moisture and salinity for efficient water management.
The strategic partnership between Baladna and the Algerian government through the National Investment Fund demonstrates a shared commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in powdered milk production. The phased project, including arable farming operations, dairy farms, and a state-of-the-art powdered milk factory, is expected to meet 50% of Algeria’s powdered milk demand. Furthermore, this groundbreaking initiative will create over 5,000 local jobs, boosting self-sufficiency in both powdered milk and meat production, and strengthening the ties between Algeria and Qatar.
Ramez Al-Khayat, President of Baladna, emphasized the importance of the project in enhancing cooperation and collaboration between the two countries. As a pioneer in dairy production, Baladna is dedicated to transferring its expertise and leadership in the sector to Algeria, aligning with the Algerian government’s vision for agricultural self-sufficiency. The commencement of the project marks a significant milestone in the journey towards achieving food security, economic development, and environmental sustainability in Algeria.
In conclusion, the launch of the Baladna project in Algeria represents a significant step towards boosting local production, reducing dependency on imports, and creating employment opportunities. With a focus on innovation, technology, and sustainable practices, the project is set to transform the agricultural landscape of Algeria, setting new benchmarks in dairy production and food security. The strategic partnership between Baladna and the Algerian government reflects a shared commitment to achieving self-sufficiency and enhancing economic growth through investment in the agricultural sector.
