[ecr]

In a statement to the press on the sidelines of a working visit to the province of Naama, the Minister said that the country's high authorities attached major importance to animal production, as part of an economic vision geared towards food self-sufficiency.

He emphasized that his department was working to develop livestock farming, providing the necessary support to professionals and members alike, notably by ensuring the availability of livestock feed, free vaccination, various financing formulas and livestock insurance.

The Minister also spoke of the measures taken to remove obstacles to the livestock sector, measures which, he said, had made it possible to strengthen the livestock production system, particularly in the steppes and pastoral regions.

After hearing a presentation on the agriculture sector in Naama, at the province’s headquarters, Henni recalled the measures underway to promote agricultural production and increase yields, particularly in the southern and high plateau regions, where it would reach around one million hectares of irrigated land by the end of 2025.

The Minister also recalled the incentives (over 60%) granted to farmers for the construction of wells, the installation of supplementary irrigation systems and the acquisition of agricultural equipment.

He referred to the continued regularization of investments operated without permit, and the creation of a seed bank to boost yields.

At a meeting with representatives of local livestock breeders' associations in the "Messif" region (Naama commune), the Minister stressed the need to intensify and generalize the tripartite system between livestock breeders.

The Minister seized this opportunity to reassure professionals in the livestock sector, stressing that ONAB controls the organization of feed barley distribution at a capped price not exceeding DZD3,200.

The State covers the distribution costs of this subsidized product to the tune of DZD7 billion per year.[/ecr]