Industrial tomato production plunges in Tunisia's Nabeul region

Industrial tomato production in the Mida region of Tunisia's Nabeul governorate has seen a significant downturn, with current activity levels reportedly at a mere 20% of what is typically expected. Houssam Hammam, a member of the regional executive bureau for the Tunisian Union of Agriculture and Fisheries (UTAP Nabeul), stated on Thursday that this sharp decline is primarily due to issues with the agricultural irrigation network.

According to Hammam, the irrigation and agricultural water channels in the region have become obsolete and are no longer capable of meeting the sector's needs. The main areas for industrial tomato cultivation in Nabeul, including Kélibia, Mida, Menzel Temime, and Haouaria, are all affected. Initial estimates for the current campaign suggest a harvest reduction of approximately 50%, exacerbated by adverse weather conditions and the spread of fungal diseases that have impacted the crops.

“

The rate of activity does not exceed 20% compared to usual levels.

Hammam emphasized that the state of the hydraulic infrastructure is the principal reason for this degradation. The aging irrigation networks prevent the efficient distribution of agricultural water, severely hindering production. In response, stakeholders in the agricultural sector are actively engaged in maintenance and rehabilitation work on the irrigation channels. The goal is to enhance water infrastructure and improve production conditions for the upcoming agricultural season.

“

The state of the hydraulic infrastructure constitutes the main factor of this degradation.