The Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries, Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh, announced on Friday a record production of selected seeds during the 2024-2025 cereal campaign. According to him, the quantities harvested represent double those of the previous campaign, a result described as “unprecedented” for the Tunisian cereal sector.
Responding to questions from deputies of the National Council of Regions and Districts, the minister specified that 351,000 quintals of selected seeds have been programmed for the supply of farmers. Among these quantities, 225,000 quintals have already been mobilized in the different regions.
This performance, he stressed, reflects the efforts made to improve the quality of seed material, guarantee the availability of suitable varieties and strengthen national food security.
Fight against speculation
The minister called on farmers to report any form of speculation on agricultural inputs to the Ministry of Commerce and Export Promotion, to enable rapid and legal interventions.
In the same context, he mentioned the publication of a circular from the Tunisian Solidarity Bank (BTS) providing for the granting of credits on advantageous conditions, for a total amount of 40 million dinars, in favor of producers, processors and small farmers.
The Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT), for its part, invited commercial banks to facilitate financing of the olive sector, from production to marketing, in order to support the competitiveness of the sector.
Towards a more resilient agricultural sector
The minister added that the distribution of subsidized seed quotas is done in accordance with specifications validated by the regional committees, guaranteeing equitable distribution between producing areas.
He also indicated that feed barley is available in sufficient quantities, unlike bran, stocks of which remain limited.
Finally, regarding the fight against cochineal which threatens prickly pear plantations, the department is working to introduce resistant varieties and to favor biological control in affected areas.
