15,000 Licenses for Well Drilling to Support Agriculture in the South Since 2021

The irrigation sector has granted about 15,000 licenses for well drilling since 2021, to support major agricultural investments in the vast south, as part of the implementation of the national strategy for agricultural development and achieving food security, according to Minister of Water Resources Tahar Darbal. The minister explained, during a hearing session before the Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment Committee of the National People's Assembly, that these licenses primarily covered the states of Adrar, Timimoun, El Menia, and Ouargla, and aim to facilitate the implementation of agricultural projects by simplifying administrative procedures and accelerating the pace of issuing drilling permits. He added that the National Agency for Water Resources is responsible for determining drilling sites and the technical monitoring of wells, ensuring rational exploitation.