Food Sovereignty: Scientific Research is the Path to Salvation for Tunisian Agriculture

Tunisia's agricultural future hinges on scientific innovation, according to Mondher Ben Salem, director of the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRAT). On National Agriculture Day and World Plant Health Day, Ben Salem highlighted how INRAT's century-long expertise is vital for adapting Tunisian agriculture to climate change and ensuring food sovereignty. The institute's work, which began with cereal genetic improvement in 1893, now spans animal production, arboriculture, and agribiotechnology. A key development is the 'Nejm' durum wheat variety, slated for official registration in 2026, representing eight years of research. While industrial-scale production will take another decade, this innovation signifies a commitment to enhancing crop yields and resilience. Ben Salem also addressed public concerns about genetic modification, clarifying that INRAT's approach optimizes natural seeds rather than artificially altering them. He stressed that local varieties are preserved as 'mother seeds,' with their intrinsic qualities maintained while incorporating resistance genes. Eighty percent of seeds sold in Tunisia are local varieties developed by INRAT, designed to withstand water stress and new diseases while boosting productivity to meet rising demand. This scientific endeavor aims to bridge traditional farming practices with the urgent imperatives of food security in a changing world.

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If the Institute officially came into being in 1913, the first research on genetic improvement of cereals in Tunisia dates back to 1893. Today, this historical mission has expanded to animal production, arboriculture and agribiotechnology.