Algeria

البطاطس

Year
2007
Production
2 090 000 tons
Harvested area
220 000 acres
Yield
9.5 tons/acre

Source: FAOSTAT

After Solanum tuberosum's introduction to Algeria, in the mid-1800s, potatoes were grown mainly for export to French markets. By national independence from France, in 1962, farmers were harvesting on average 275 000 tons a year, with about one third marked for export.

Since then, the potato has become an increasingly important crop for domestic consumption, with production in 2006 reaching a record 2.4 million tons. Potato is grown over an area of 220 000 acres, and can be planted and harvested somewhere in Algeria in virtually any month of the year.

The main fresh potato growing areas are along the Mediterranean coast, where a mild climate permits year-round production. Potatoes are also grown at elevations of 1 600 ft in hills and valleys between the coast and the Atlas Mountains, and in high plateau areas. Annual potato consumption in Algeria has increased from 77 lb in 1990 to around 125 lb in 2005.

Further details from CIP's World Potato Atlas