The agricultural sector in Sousse governorate plays a significant role in the region's economy, employing 12% of the active workforce. The sector's contribution to the national agricultural production stands at 5%, with a total value of approximately 430 million dinars. According to the Regional Commission for Agricultural Development in Sousse, the agricultural land in the governorate covers 77% of its total area.
The Regional Commission for Agricultural Development in Sousse recently presented a report on the state of irrigated areas in the governorate during a working session. The session, held at the Sousse Governorate headquarters, aimed to monitor the situation in irrigated areas and address the challenges they face. The report highlighted the importance of these areas in the regional agricultural system.
The irrigated areas in Sousse governorate cover a total of 12,353 hectares, representing 8% of the region's arable land and 3% of the country's total irrigated areas. These areas are divided into public and private irrigated zones. The commission also provided data on the region's total water resources, which amount to approximately 162 million cubic meters.
The water resources in Sousse governorate are comprised of 50 million cubic meters of surface water, 32 million cubic meters of groundwater, 42 million cubic meters of water transferred from external sources, and 37 million cubic meters of treated wastewater. These resources are used to supply drinking water and irrigate agricultural areas.
The working session discussed the challenges facing some irrigated areas, including the impact of reduced rainfall, consecutive heatwaves, and the decline in groundwater levels. The participants also addressed issues related to water management, irrigation system maintenance, and the management of water user associations.
The session also focused on the irrigated area in Qusaybah, Az-Zawiyah, and Ath-Tharyat, which spans 4,570 hectares and relies on treated wastewater. The exploitation of this area requires careful monitoring of water quality and pollution sources to ensure crop protection and maintain the integrity of the agricultural system.
Sousse Governor, Sufyan At-Tanfuri, emphasized that the situation in the governorate's irrigated areas is closely monitored, particularly with the upcoming agricultural season and the olive harvest. The governor highlighted the importance of caring for rain-fed and irrigated crops as essential components of food security and economic development.
Key points
- The agricultural sector in Sousse governorate contributes 5% to the national agricultural production.
- The irrigated areas in Sousse governorate cover a total of 12,353 hectares.
- The region's total water resources amount to approximately 162 million cubic meters.
