Tunisia Aims for a Good Cereal Harvest This Season Despite Initial Challenges
Despite the difficulties encountered at the start of the campaign, including a shortage of selected seeds and ammonitrate, as well as a rise in production costs, Tunisia is expecting a good cereal harvest this season.
This announcement was made on Thursday during a plenary session dedicated to the audition of representatives from the Tunisian Union of Agriculture and Fisheries (UTAP) and the National Professional Group of Agriculture affiliated with the Tunisian Confederation of Citizen Enterprises (CONECT).
Organized at the initiative of the Agriculture, Food Security, Water, and Fisheries Commission of the Assembly of the People's Representatives, the plenary aimed to examine the measures to be implemented to save the large-scale crops sector and restructure the olive oil sector, according to a press release made public on Friday.
On this occasion, the representatives of UTAP and CONECT pleaded in favor of an effective strategy to overcome the challenges ahead, particularly the reduction of cereal losses and the mobilization of necessary equipment for harvesting.
They also emphasized the need to modernize collection centers, increase storage capacity, strengthen control of collection facilities, and combat fraudulent practices.
In addition, the participants highlighted the importance of preserving selected seeds to ensure better preparation for the next agricultural season.
Regarding the olive oil sector, the representatives of the two organizations called for stimulating local consumption of olive oil.
They proposed redirecting subsidies for imported vegetable oils towards Tunisian olive oil, allowing consumers to access this product recognized for its nutritional qualities more easily.
They also pleaded for better support for farmers and a reduction in the export of bulk olive oil in favor of packaged oil with higher added value.
The participants also emphasized the importance of developing educational farms, an initiative aimed at bringing young people closer to nature and strengthening environmental protection culture.
On the other hand, the deputies called for the development of a clear and comprehensive strategy to save the various agricultural sectors.
They also recommended launching awareness campaigns for farmers to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, while encouraging natural methods to improve soil fertility, such as crop rotation.
