Algeria is considering to import potatoes in face of a looming shortage on the national market, Agriculture Minister Rachid Benaissa said Sunday in Algiers.

• Mr Rachid Benaissa told the local Radio Channel III that the delay recorded in potato-planting in the month of July, mostly due to the lack of labor force and the current heat-wave gripping the country, is likely to cause a dire shortage of potatoes.
• The Algerian government is considering to stamp down speculation by “possibly resorting to importing potatoes,” the agriculture minister said, adding that “the imported quantities will be limited and subject to quality control.”
• Imports should not exceed 2 percent of the annual production estimated at 4 million tonnes, he added.
• The issue is being discussed by the National Inter-professional Commission of Potatoes, and “a decision should be taken according to the development of the situation,” said Mr Benaissa.
• Mr Benaissa further indicated that his ministerial department tends to maintain the price of potatoes between 35 and 55 Dinars per kilo ($0.46 to $0.73).
• Potato has become an essential substance in Algerian dishes, with an average annual consumption of 106 kg per capita, according to latest figures provided by the agriculture minister.
• Currently, potatoes are sold at around 70 Dinars ($0.93) per kilo, a high price beyond the reach of low-income citizens in Algeria.