As part of the efforts by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to support sustainable development and promote research and innovation in the agricultural sector, Mr. Kamel BADDARI, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, conducted a working visit to Abdelhamid IBN BADIS University in Mostaganem. He oversaw, alongside the Wali of the Wilaya, Mr. Ahmed BOUDOUH, the official launch of the "University Argan Oasis" project.
This event, organised by the Directorate General for Scientific Research and Technological Development in collaboration with Abdelhamid IBN BADIS University of Mostaganem, aims in its first phase to plant 10 hectares of argan trees across three experimental farms affiliated with the university, using a drip irrigation system. This initiative is part of a research project developed by researchers from the University of Mostaganem under the Euro-Mediterranean PRIMA2 programme, which supports research and innovation in water resource management, agricultural systems, and sustainable food industries. The event brought together a number of officials, experts, as well as representatives from national research centers and several specialised professors.
During the visit, the ministerial delegation toured one of the experimental farms, "Hassi Mameche", where a scientific and technical committee composed of professors and researchers had previously assessed the soil characteristics and its readiness to receive the saplings. Technical and scientific aspects of the project were also fine-tuned, including the selection of suitable sites, the study of the genetic origin of the argan tree, and the potential integration of smart irrigation techniques. A prototype developed by a university start-up was also presented
On the sidelines of the visit, the Minister attended an exhibition of start-ups operating in the fields of agricultural sciences, aquaculture, and fisheries. Framework agreements were presented and signed with the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, and the Ministry of the Environment and Quality of Life, The event also honored two students who won national awards in the seawater desalination competition at the Hackathon Innovation Algeria 2027, as well as a PhD student who secured first place in an international competition in Kuwait for the best doctoral thesis.
To strengthen research cooperation, the Minister oversaw the signing of a framework agreement between the University of Mostaganem and the Scientific and Technical Research Center for Arid Zones, aimed at developing innovative research projects with a positive impact on the national economy, particularly in the field of sustainable agriculture and agricultural innovation.This visit is part of the Ministry's strategy to support higher education and scientific research institutions in implementing pioneering research projects that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It also strengthens the role of Algerian universities as key drivers of innovation and technological development, transforming scientific knowledge into practical solutions that support national development and address current challenges.
