Heavy Rainfall Causes Significant Damage to Agriculture in Nabeul Governorate
Heavy rainfall on January 19 and 20 caused considerable damage to the agricultural sector in the Nabeul governorate, resulting in the death of 125,000 poultry, 900 sheep, and 50 cattle, as well as the destruction of approximately 800 beehives, according to estimates from the Regional Commission for Agricultural Development.
Affected Areas and Crops
The heavy rainfall, which brought between 130 mm of rain in Kelibia and 384 mm in Béni Khalled, particularly affected the delegations of Korba, Béni Khalled, Menzel Temime, El Haouaria, Takelsa, Menzel Bouzelfa, and Soliman. The most affected crops were strawberries, potatoes, and leafy vegetables.
Extent of Damage
According to Imed Bay, President of the Regional Union of Agriculture and Fishing, "the strawberry crop, mainly produced in Korba, suffered significant damage, with nearly 200 hectares destroyed out of a total of 350 hectares. The most significant losses concern strawberry plants that were already in production since January, with 40 hectares submerged in water."
Other Damaged Plantations and Ongoing Assessments
Other plantations were also damaged, and farmers continue to report on the extent of the losses through local crisis cells.
Beneficial Effects of Rainfall
Despite the damage, Imed Bay emphasized the beneficial effects of the rainfall: "It filled the mountain lakes and dams in the governorate to 100% after several years of drought." He also called on the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources to authorize the resumption of activities in public irrigated areas, which have been closed for four years due to water scarcity.
Potential Rehabilitation and Support
The reopening of these areas could allow for the rehabilitation of over 3,000 hectares, particularly in the Mida delegation, and give hope to hundreds of affected farmers, while supporting the regional and national agricultural sectors. The filling of the dams is also expected to benefit local water companies, enabling them to resolve the problems they have faced in recent years.
