Algiers hosts fourth international date fair with more than 200 exhibitors

Algeria's fourth international date fair opened in Algiers on Wednesday with more than 200 exhibitors from Algeria and abroad at the Exhibition Palace.

Awras reported that Sid Ali Khaldi, minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, spoke at the opening. Modern techniques were discussed in talks between the minister and professionals in the sector, including seedling production, plant health and date harvesting.

Algeria has more than 20 million date palms and more than 1,000 varieties of dates. Annual output exceeds 12 million quintals, a quintal being 100kg.

He said these resources give Algerian dates considerable competitiveness in export markets. He said the sector is working to improve its performance and to control every stage of its value chain, from distribution and processing to export.

The National Chamber of Agriculture organises the fair. Exhibitors and speakers come from Iraq, Oman, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Mauritania, Turkey and China, alongside Algerian producers, processors, craft workers, exporters and cooperatives.

Research institutes, technical centres and laboratories also take part, as do diplomatic representatives accredited in Algiers and heads of agricultural chambers and economic institutions in the sector.

He said it is important to rely on scientific research and modern technologies, in particular remote sensing and tissue culture. They are intended to raise productivity and make Algerian dates more competitive in foreign markets.

The fair runs until 14 November, and scientific seminars during the event will discuss ways to develop the sector and add value to its products.