Algeria 2015 grain import volumes up 11.2 percent

Algeria's 2015 grain imports rose 11.2 percent to 13.67 million tonnes despite efforts to curb purchases from abroad, official data showed. One of the world's largest grain importers, Algeria wants to trim imports as low crude oil prices hurt state coffers.
Soft wheat imports rose 24 percent to 6.74 million tonnes, while durum wheat purchases fell 10.8 percent to 1.76 million tonnes, customs figures showed. Barley imports dropped 2.6 percent to 750,025 tonnes, while maize purchases rose 7.5 percent to 4.41 million tonnes. The overall value of grain imports fell 3.14 percent to $3.43 billion due to lower prices.
Agriculture Minister Sid Ahmed Ferroukhi last week said domestic cereal output reached 3.77 million tonnes in 2015, up from 3.4 million. The minister said Algeria planned to increase output to 6.3 million tonnes this year through better-quality seeds, improved technology and incentives for farmers.