Algerian investor harvests apples 18 months after planting
Amine Derrar's 28-hectare farm in Tiaret yielded a good crop due to technical processes and irrigation.
Investor Amine Derrar has achieved a successful apple harvest on his 28-hectare farm in Tiaret, Algeria, just 18 months after planting began in June 2025. Derrar attributes the good yield to technical expertise, a drip irrigation system, and continuous learning about agricultural advancements. The farm's location at 1,000 meters altitude provides over 800 hours of cold annually, essential for apple tree dormancy and flowering, alongside ample sunshine.
Minister of Agriculture Sid Ali Khaldi visited Derrar's operation, which is connected to electricity and irrigation networks serving over 1,300 farms in the wilaya. This investment in Tiaret follows the success of apple cultivation in the Aurès region, inspiring other operators. Algeria produced 591,700 tonnes of apples in 2024 across nearly 32,000 hectares, with an average yield of 18.6 tonnes per hectare.
Algeria's apple production has grown by 27% between 2014 and 2024, according to FAOStat. High-quality apples can fetch up to 1,000 dinars per kilogram in Algiers. The favorable climate and increasing investor interest are driving this expansion in the fruit sector.
Why it mattersAlgerian farmers are seeing increased investment and production in apple farming, boosting local supply and income.