Cactus Cochineal Continues to Wreak Havoc in Bouargoub Region, Tunisia's Main Prickly Pear Production Area
The cactus cochineal insect continues to cause significant damage in the Bouargoub region, Tunisia's primary area for producing sweet prickly pears. According to Sami Houeidi, President of the Local Union of Agriculture and Fishing, the insect has destroyed nearly a third of the farms, equivalent to approximately 500 hectares out of a total of 1,500 hectares.
"Despite treatment efforts and the introduction of ladybugs to curb the parasite's spread, the cochineal has rapidly proliferated, forcing many farmers to uproot their plantations to limit the damage," he added, in a statement to Mosaique FM.
Given the severity of the situation, the Minister of Agriculture and Fishing visited the affected area on Saturday to assess the losses and evaluate intervention measures. He called for a unified approach to combating the pest and accelerating the removal of irrecoverable plants to preserve the remaining crops.
The Bouargoub region plays a crucial role in Tunisia's prickly pear industry, a sector that provides numerous seasonal jobs, particularly for female workers. The industry's significance highlights the need for effective measures to control the cactus cochineal and protect the region's agricultural economy.
