Tunisia Celebrates National Agriculture Day and World Plant Health Day
On May 12, Tunisia marked National Agriculture Day and World Plant Health Day, with the Director General of the National Institute of Agronomic Research of Tunisia (INRAT), Mr. Mondher Ben Salem, highlighting the crucial role of science in adapting seeds to ensure food security in the face of climate change.
Interview on National Radio
During an interview on National Radio, Mr. Ben Salem emphasized that the INRAT is the guardian of a century-old expertise. "Although the Institute was officially established in 1913, research on improving cereal genetics in Tunisia dates back to 1893. Today, our mission has expanded to include animal production, arboriculture, and agrobiotechnology," he said.
The "Nejm" Wheat Variety: A Bright Spot in National Production
One of the pillars of the INRAT's strategy is to improve cereals and legumes. "In a century, we have developed nearly 120 varieties of cereals and 25 types of edible legumes," noted Mr. Ben Salem. The Institute has announced the homologation of a new durum wheat variety, "Nejm" (Star), which is expected to be officially registered in January 2026. However, it will take 10 to 15 years for large-scale industrial production to be validated.
Genetic Improvement: Not a Fabrication, but an Optimization
In response to criticism about modifying original seeds, Mr. Ben Salem sought to reassure the public. "Genetic improvement is not an artificial fabrication," he said. "It's an optimization of natural seeds, not a modification." He emphasized that each new variety must be superior to the previous one in terms of quality and profitability.
Preserving Indigenous Seeds
Mr. Ben Salem stressed that indigenous seeds have not disappeared. "They serve as 'mother seeds.' We preserve their intrinsic qualities while introducing genes for resistance." He noted that 80% of seeds sold in Tunisia are local varieties developed by the INRAT. The goal is to create varieties that can survive drought and new diseases, such as rust, while ensuring productivity that indigenous seeds alone cannot provide.
Balancing Tradition and Security
While laboratories preserve ancient genetic heritage, a gap persists between research and public perception. For some, improved seeds are still suspect, often confused with sterile or nutritionally depleted organisms. However, for the INRAT, genetic improvement is the only path to autonomy.
A New Agricultural Map
The development of the sector goes beyond cereals, encompassing a global vision of animal production, particularly that of ruminants, which rely on coarse forages like hay and straw. Mr. Ben Salem explained that the Institute has developed new varieties of forages and grains to diversify nutritional sources and improve quality, allowing for increased production while reducing costs. This comprehensive strategy aims to balance large-scale crops and forages, leveraging the value of agricultural residues. A new national agricultural map is being developed, taking into account the specificities of each region, including pedoclimatic conditions and water resources availability.
A Vital Link between Past and Future
Tunisia's agronomic research is positioning itself as a vital link between a prestigious agricultural past and an uncertain future marked by climate and demographic constraints. While science can optimize yields and redefine territories, the challenge remains to reconcile consumers with innovation perceived as departing from biological authenticity.
