Blida’s citrus sector gets a fresh boost

Held on January 14–15, the event, organized by the Chamber of Agriculture in coordination with the Directorate of Agriculture, highlighted Blida’s key role in the national drive toward food self-sufficiency. Governor Djamel Eddine Hashas recalled that Blida remains Algeria’s leading citrus-producing region, with over 2.5 million quintals harvested in 2024 across 22,750 hectares.

Beyond exhibition stands, the fair served as a platform for progress. According to Kamel Fodala from the Directorate of Agriculture, the annual gathering allows professionals to explore modern technologies, improve quality, and increase yields. The delivery of concession contracts, he noted, marks a decisive shift from simple exploitation to secure, long-term investment.

For Nasseri Mohamed Amziane, Director General of the National Office of Agricultural Lands, Blida is at the heart of land regularization efforts. New regulations, including Law 02 effective June 1, 2025, aim to ensure that only active farmers benefit from concessions, granting them access to state-backed loans and modern infrastructure.

The Chamber of Agriculture’s president, Rachid Djebbar, stressed that citrus farming is a pillar of Blida’s agricultural economy. Supporting farmers, adopting smart irrigation, and respecting health standards are now essential to boosting productivity and ensuring sustainability.

More than a fair, the Blida Citrus Salon is shaping a modern, resilient sector, one ready to strengthen the region’s status as a national and international agricultural hub.