Algeria - Agriculture

Agriculture

Algeria has always been noted for the fertility of its soil. About 14% of its labor force are employed in the agricultural sector.

A considerable amount of cotton was grown at the time of the United States' Civil War, but the industry declined afterwards. In the early years of the 20th century efforts to extend the cultivation of the plant were renewed. A small amount of cotton is also grown in the southern oases. Large quantities of dwarf palm are cultivated for the leaves, the fibers of which resemble horsehair. The olive (both for its fruit and oil) and tobacco are cultivated with great success.

More than 30,000 km2 (7,000,000 acres) are devoted to the cultivation of cereal grains. The Tell Atlas is the grain-growing land. During the time of French rule its productivity was increased substantially by the sinking of artesian wells in districts which only required water to make them fertile. Of the crops raised, wheat, barley and oats are the principal cereals. A great variety of vegetables and fruits, especially citrus products, are exported. Algeria also exports figs, dates, esparto grass, and cork. the vast mountain ranges of the Aures (Batna, Khenchela, Oum-El-Bouaghi, Ain M'lila, Souk Ahras, Guelma, Biskra) and Nememcha (Tebessa) occupy the entire eastern Algeria and are delineated by the Tunisian border. The highest point is Mount Chélia (2328 meters). The most fertile land in the world would be in the Aures, especially if it could be watered regularly