The first batch of “Gloria" zucchinis, out of the geothermal complex of Touggourt, destined for export, left the port of Oran yesterday, towards Europe. It is a zucchini variety different from those found on the national market. Its color is dark green, and its size varies between 18 and 23 cm. As far as quality is concerned, the complex's managers claim that this product, which stands out due to its "organic" properties, is very competitive on the international market.
As a matter of fact, according to Mr. Taha Derbal, General Director of the National Office of Irrigation and Drainage (ONID), this first shipment of 20 tons will be exported to Spain, and the United Kingdom will be its final destination. The same official says that this is the first vegetable produced by the pilot mega-complex of ONID, using geothermal energy in agricultural production. Located in Touggourt, in the province of Ouargla, this complex was built by ONID, in cooperation with the Spanish company "Alcantara".
Mr. Derbal tells that this investment of 1.2 billion dinars is very innovative. It has, in fact, four large greenhouses for vegetable crops, a nursery, a seed storage site, as well as a crop treatment and storage station. The complex has 80 employees in service, including 9 state engineers in hydraulics and agronomy, all trained in Spain, to take charge of the technical aspect of the project; because after all, it’s a concentration of technology which allows the vegetables to be harvested “organically” in a record amount of time, without wasting any energy.
This complex, the first of its kind in Algeria, uses the heat produced by deep drilling for agricultural production; an optimal yield with highly added value. This technique makes it possible to obtain the ideal conditions for the production of early vegetables. "The complex has four multi-chapel greenhouses of 10 hectares each. Their operation will finance another 40 hectares, which will increase the number of greenhouses to 16” Derbal says. The zucchini, the first vegetable produced by the complex, will be followed up by other products, such as industrial chili peppers, peppers and cherry tomatoes. Studies are also underway for the production of certain fruits, such as watermelon and melon, as to adapt to conditions more perfectly. But priority will be given to the gardening market because, according to Mr. Derbal, these are techniques already mastered by the complex.
The experience has attracted the interest of many private investors; according to Mr. Derbal, an operator in the Oued-Souf region has begun negotiating with Tunisian investors to carry out a similar project in the region of El-Oued. "In Adrar, the Spanish partner of Onid (Alcantara) is about to launch a project with an Algerian operator, using geothermal energy as well, for the production of cotton" he says.
Mr. Taha Derbal explains that geothermal energy is the energy recovered from the boreholes to heat the greenhouses, thanks to radiators in the form of serpentines, uncoiled inside of them. This technique makes it possible to have the same climate conditions throughout the year, especially during the winter period when the nightly temperature drops are noticeable. The complex also has a demineralisation block which allows for cooling and softening of the salt water. Funded by the National Bank for Rural Development (Badr), this complex is compiled from all sorts of technology, with everything controlled remotely, such as: temperature, watering, and brightness.
The conditioning of the production, from its arrival in the fields, up until its final packaging, is also automated. "The plant is equipped with a reception, washing and transport line, in which automated operations will be carried out to obtain a high quality product which meets European standards," says the head of the complex. Especially because this agricultural technique will enhance the quality of the taste of the products, due to heating and the adapted fertilization program, and the reduction of the risk of contamination of the soil and water table by above ground cultivation, in addition to the reasonable use of pesticides and phytosanitary products, which will provide "organic" products.
This agricultural plant aspires to give another dimension to national agriculture, but also to socially impact socially (especially) the south of the country, with the creation of a hundred immediate vacancies, and a multitude of indirect and seasonal jobs, where the promotion of female employment will be a priority. It also aims to settle the populations of the South, and thus reduce the rural exodus. This most innovative complex covers an overall area of 250 hectares, including 40 hectares of multi-chapel greenhouses with hydroponic techniques for the production of early vegetables.
The 16 greenhouses will be installed in three phases (four greenhouses per 10 hectares). The supply of hot water (50 to 80%), with a salinity between 2.5 and 3.5 g / l, comes from the Albien wells in the region. Representatives of the Spanish company seem very satisfied with the work achieved in partnership with ONID. Moreover, according to Vicente Alcover, the working conditions were very favourable. "On the one hand, the employees are very serious and dedicated to the work they do, and on the other hand, we have a product quality which is ranked among the best," he said, whilst expressing the commitment of his company to diversify the productivity of the complex.
Source: https://goo.gl/5u8ePk