Agricultural Season 2025-2026: A Renewal for Tunisia's Major Crops

The 2025-2026 agricultural season is marked by a resurgence for Tunisia's major crops. Driven by a notable improvement in climate indicators, the cereal sector is currently the focus of a large-scale government mobilization to ensure optimal harvesting and collection.

A Lifesaving Rainfall Despite Regional Disparities

On the climate front, the generosity of rainfall in the main production regions has radically transformed the agricultural landscape. These rains not only stimulated the vegetative development of cereals but also allowed for the reconstitution of national hydraulic reserves, bringing the dam filling rate to an encouraging 68%. However, this overall positive balance conceals laborious beginnings in the Centre-East, where the initial water deficit forced farmers to limit plantings.

A 87% Sowing Rate

Out of the 1.14 million hectares initially projected by authorities, the actually sown areas amount to approximately 991,000 hectares. Although this sowing rate reaches 87%, emphasis has been placed on the potential of irrigated zones, which now cover 74,000 hectares, constituting a strategic bulwark for food security. The state of the crops reflects this dynamic, with 70% of plots deemed in good condition, while the irrigated zones of the Centre show performances ranging from good to excellent. Only some areas of Bizerte and Nabeul have suffered from localized excess water.

A Race Against Time to Secure the Harvest

As the 2026 harvest approaches, the State is deploying a range of preventive measures. A large-scale operation to clear and clean agricultural tracks is currently underway in coordination between the Ministries of Agriculture and Equipment. This initiative aims to achieve a double objective: facilitate the transit of crops and establish natural firebreaks against summer fires.

A Technological Challenge

The challenge also lies in technology. With a fleet of 2,750 combine harvesters, of which only 10% are considered recent, the Ministry will launch a large-scale calibration campaign in May 2026. Over 1,300 machines will be inspected by experts to minimize grain losses in the field. In parallel, awareness-raising actions on fire risks will be conducted among farmers, with each certified machine displaying an official logo guaranteeing its technical conformity for this critical season.