Record Production of Selected Seeds Achieved in Current Cereal Campaign
The Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries, Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh, described the quantities of selected seeds harvested during the current cereal campaign (2024-2025) as a "record production", doubling the production recorded during the previous campaign.
Response to Parliamentarians' Inquiries
In response to inquiries from members of the National Council of Regions and Districts during a plenary session held on Friday, Ben Cheikh indicated that instructions have been given to supply farmers with 351,000 quintals of selected seeds, of which 225,000 quintals have already been mobilized in the regions.
Fertilizer Distribution and Speculation
Regarding fertilizers, the minister acknowledged a delay in their distribution but noted that the concerned parties have caught up and are working to mobilize the necessary quantities. He called on farmers to inform the relevant structures at the Ministry of Trade and Export Promotion about any speculation to ensure necessary legal interventions.
Olive Oil Strategy
Ben Cheikh reassured that his department expects a good harvest, adding that preparations started in May 2025. He mentioned that several meetings have been organized with the ministries and concerned structures, and efforts have been made to improve the storage infrastructure of the National Oil Office (ONH) to enable farmers and producers to store their crops.
Financing and Support for the Sector
In the same context, he announced that the Tunisian Solidarity Bank (BTS) has published a circular to grant loans on favorable terms, with a total amount of around 40 million dinars (MD), to facilitate financing for professionals in the sector, including producers and small farmers. The minister also noted that the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) has called on banks to facilitate financing for olive oil activities, from production to marketing.
Export and Valorization of Olive Oil
Actions have been taken to conquer new promising markets for export and to valorize organic and packaged olive oil, the minister added.
Regional Quotas and Seed Availability
Regarding regional quotas for subsidized seeds, Ben Cheikh affirmed that distribution is based on the provisions of a specification book validated by regional committees. He also noted that fodder barley is available in sufficient quantities, while the quantities of son are very limited.
Strategy to Combat the Cochineal Insect
Regarding the strategy to combat the cochineal insect, the minister explained that his department is working to plant resistant Barbary fig trees and is always promoting biological control.
