Tunisia's Date Production: A Global Recognition
The president of the Regional Office of "Connect" in Tozeur, Ibrahim Khlifa, stated today, Tuesday, October 28, 2025, that Tunisia is globally recognized for its production of "Deglet Nour" dates, in addition to many other distinctive varieties.
Increasing Palm Tree Numbers
Speaking on the "Expresso" show, Khlifa explained that the number of palm trees is constantly increasing, reaching 25% per year, particularly in the Kébili governorate. However, he highlighted that losses are recorded in old oases that combined palm trees, fruit trees, and leaf crops due to property fragmentation.
Post-Production Phase
He specified that the post-production phase involves intermediaries or collectors who classify dates to facilitate the sales process. Nevertheless, the new check law has had a negative impact on the sector, leading to a crisis of confidence between farmers and intermediaries, and a progressive decline in the role of the latter.
Date Pricing Mechanism
Mr. Khlifa indicated that date prices are set according to market mechanisms (supply, demand, and product quality), emphasizing that the Professional Grouping of Dates cannot impose specific prices.
Record Harvest This Season
Regarding the current season, he revealed that the date harvest will be record-breaking, estimated at 404,000 tons. He noted that exporters are individually trying to open new markets and participate in international fairs to promote the product, calling on the state to develop a long-term national marketing plan to strengthen the positioning of Tunisian dates on global markets.
Diversification of External Markets
He also stressed the need to diversify external markets, suggesting a focus on the Indian market, one of the largest date-consuming countries, and affirmed that the current season will be "abundant in terms of production and export".
Conclusion
In conclusion, the speaker highlighted that the main obstacles faced by the sector concern the lack of financing, indicating that banks have not provided seasonal loans to farmers, as well as administrative bureaucracy. He called for the creation of a 24/7 operational green line to facilitate export operations and to valorize the product to ensure greater profitability for the sector and the national economy.
