Tiaret emerges as a promising apple production hub in Algeria

Following the footsteps of the Aures region, Tiaret is drawing growing interest from agricultural investors focusing on apple farming. Local grower Amine Derrar achieved a successful harvest on his 28-hectare orchard merely 18 months following the initial planting phase. While welcoming Agriculture Minister Sid Ali Khaldi to the property, the farmer highlighted that adherence to technical guidelines, engineering oversight, drip irrigation systems, and the region's climate—featuring over 800 hours of annual cold at an altitude of 1,000 meters—were key to the positive outcomes. Local authorities noted that more than 1,300 farms in the province benefit from established electricity and water networks. Inspired by the achievements in Batna and Khenchela, nationwide apple production climbed to 591,700 tons in 2024 across roughly 32,000 harvested hectares, according to FAOStat data, reflecting a 27 percent increase over a ten-year span, while premium apples in Algiers can cost as much as 1,000 dinars.