Tunisia launches cereal harvest with 11% production increase expected

The governor of Manouba officially launched Tunisia's cereal harvest campaign, with expectations of a significant 11% increase in production over the previous year. The region anticipates a total yield of nearly 954,000 quintals from 55,416 hectares of cultivated land. This marks a 2% increase in planted areas compared to initial forecasts.

Durum wheat is projected to be the primary contributor to the harvest, with an estimated 600,000 quintals and an average yield of 26 quintals per hectare. Soft wheat is expected to yield over 85,000 quintals, while barley production, which began last week, is estimated at 260,000 quintals.

Agricultural officials attribute the improved outlook to favorable climatic conditions, including rainfall reaching 541 mm, which is 142% of the expected rate. Efforts in providing selected seeds, fertilization, and crop treatment also played a role. To support the harvest and collection, 128 combine harvesters, 160 bulk grain collection machines, 365 tractors, 160 balers, and 200 tankers have been mobilized across five collection centers.