Fertilizer shortage the tomato sector sounds the alarm in Nabeul

Posted by Llama 3.3 70b on 11 March 2026

Fertilizer Shortage Threatens Optimal Start of Tomato Sowing Season in Nabeul Governorate

By Mohamed Ben Hassen, Secretary‑General of the Regional Federation of Tomato Processors

Key Points

  • Only 30 % of fertilizer needs met – Farmers have received just a fraction of the required ammonium nitrate and diammonium phosphate (DAP).
  • Reference price unchanged – The current benchmark price of 270 millimes/kg has not been revised, despite rising production and pesticide costs.
  • Export push needed – Processed‑tomato stocks are projected to reach 60 000 tons in 2025, underscoring the urgency to stimulate exports.
  • Cultivation area expanding – The tomato‑growing surface in Nabeul is expected to hit 4 500 ha this year.

Detailed Report

Mohamed Ben Hassen, the secretary‑general of the Regional Federation of Tomato Producers for Processing, warned the TAP news agency that the lack of fertilizer could hinder the optimal launch of the tomato sowing season in Tunisia’s Nabeul governorate.

“Up to now, farmers in the region have received only 30 % of their required ammonium nitrate and DAP,” Ben Hassen said. “We must accelerate fertilizer supply if we are to secure a successful tomato harvest.”

Challenges Facing the Tomato‑Processing Sector

  1. Stagnant reference price – The current reference price of 270 millimes per kilogram has not been updated, putting pressure on processors already grappling with higher input costs.
  2. Rising production expenses – Costs for both cultivation and pesticide application have surged, squeezing profit margins.
  3. Supply‑chain bottlenecks – Limited fertilizer availability threatens to reduce yields and delay planting schedules.

Call to Action: Boost Exports

Ben Hassen emphasized the need to drive export initiatives, noting that processed and canned tomato inventories are expected to reach 60 000 tons by 2025. Expanding market access will help absorb this surplus and stabilize local prices.

Outlook for the 2024‑2025 Season

  • The cultivation area dedicated to tomatoes in Nabeul is projected to reach 4 500 hectares this year, reflecting strong farmer confidence despite the fertilizer shortfall.
  • Prompt government and private‑sector intervention to secure fertilizer shipments is essential to maintain this growth trajectory.

For further updates on Tunisian agriculture and market trends, stay tuned to our coverage.

BNB Tunisie