Algiers date fair focuses on modern methods and exports

The fourth International Date Show opened in Algiers on Wednesday and runs until 14 November, with a focus on modern methods and processing.

Algérie 360 reported that Sid Ali Khaldi, minister of agriculture, spoke at the opening about the country's production capacity and export potential.

The fair is held at the Palais des expositions des Pins maritimes in Algiers. The National Chamber of Agriculture (CNA) organises it under the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries.

Algeria has about 20 million date palms and more than 1,200 varieties. Data released for the fair show national production above 12 million quintaux.

Producers, processors, craftsmen, exporters, cooperatives and specialist firms take part. Institutes, technical centres, laboratories and research bodies also attend.

Representatives from Iraq, Turkey, Oman, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt also take part. Foreign exhibitors and speakers join discussions on the development prospects of the sector.

The minister said the country's date resources could strengthen the presence of Algerian dates on foreign markets. Export growth depends not only on the volumes harvested.

It also depends on control of each stage of the value chain, from packing to processing and sales abroad.

Better quality, added value and the development of the processing industry are among the priorities for strengthening the sector's competitiveness.

The ministry plans to use more scientific research and modern technologies to improve farming methods and protect the productive potential of the palm groves.

Conferences and workshops will bring together experts, teachers and researchers from Algeria and abroad around these issues. The exchanges are meant to let professionals learn new production methods, share experience and find solutions to the sector's challenges.

The fair brings national and foreign operators together on the same issue: improving the value of Algerian dates and their presence on international markets.