Date Palm Season in Tunisia Kicks Off with Promising Production and Export Prospects
The date palm season in Tunisia began on October 1, 2025, under favorable conditions, with encouraging production and export prospects. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, preparations were made early, covering all stages, from cleaning the oases to pollination and crop protection.
Preparations and Progress
Aïcha Ghazal, Deputy Director of Fruits at the General Administration of Agricultural Production, stated that preparations for the new cycle began early, covering all stages, from oasis cleaning to health protection and promotion programs. To date, 38 hectares out of a planned 40.5 hectares have been cleaned, representing about 30% of the total oasis area, estimated at 61,000 hectares.
The pollination process is also showing significant progress: 62.5 million flowers have been pollinated this season, compared to 53.7 million last year, representing a 16.5% increase. Additionally, 26 million flowers have been packaged to protect them from climate hazards, compared to 14.4 million in the previous season, representing an improvement of around 80% in protection methods.
Support for Producers
To support producers, the Ministry, in coordination with the Tunisian Solidarity Bank, has established a joint communiqué (No. 105), offering seasonal loans to small producers and cold storage owners. These loans, fully covered by the bank, require no guarantee or self-financing and amount to 20 million dinars, compared to 12 million last year. They are distributed across the governorates of Kebili, Tozeur, Gafsa, and Gabès:
- Loans for oasis maintenance and date harvesting: up to 10,000 dinars
- Loans for date storage: up to 60,000 dinars
Promotion and Export
In terms of promotion, the Ministry and the Professional Committee of Dates encourage local consumption through direct sales points in different regions, particularly in November and before the month of Ramadan, at prices adapted to citizens' purchasing power. Internationally, Tunisia plans to strengthen its presence on global markets by participating in trade fairs and exhibitions in Morocco, Spain, France, Germany, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates, to promote the quality and diversity of its dates.
Harvest and Export Figures
Regarding the harvest, the progress rate has reached 70% in Tozeur, 60% in Gafsa, and 40% in Kebili, due to differences in fruit maturity across regions. As of the end of October, exports have already reached 12,000 tons, with a total value of 73 million dinars, destined for over 40 international markets. Italy remains the main importer (3,415 tons), followed by Morocco (1,860 tons), then France and Indonesia (around 800 tons each).
Price Stability
Finally, the reference prices for production remain stable compared to the previous season, thanks to an agreement between the Tunisian Union of Agriculture and the Union of Industry and Commerce, ensuring a balance between producers and exporters. According to Aïcha Ghazal, all current indicators show that the 2025/2026 date palm season will be successful and promising, supported by effective coordination among all stakeholders in the sector.
