The fig harvest season has begun in Tunisia's Nabel region, with early varieties like Klomorb and Marisol already being supplied to markets in limited quantities. The harvest is expected to pick up pace with the ripening of more popular and widely consumed varieties. According to Béchir Aoun Allah, head of the local agricultural union in Béni Khalad, initial projections indicate a 10% decline in production compared to last year.
The expected production decline in Nabel and nationwide is attributed to several factors, including water shortages, frequent power outages that impacted crops, and a heatwave that caused figs to drop prematurely. Aoun Allah noted that farmers relying on Northern water resources faced distribution disruptions during the previous summer, while those with their own water sources, such as shallow wells, did not experience difficulties with irrigation.
The head of the local agricultural union also cited the spread of the quick decline disease and the uprooting of approximately 5,000 hectares of fig groves in Béni Khalad and Manouba as contributing factors to the production decline. Despite the emergence of new production areas in Takelsa, Hawaria, and other regions, Béni Khalad maintained its position as the top producer, accounting for 53,000 tons of figs nationwide.
Aoun Allah considered the current market prices for figs, ranging from 4 to 10 dinars per kilogram, to be encouraging for farmers, allowing them to cover costs and make up for losses due to the production decline. He expressed hope that the domestic market supply will be regular to ensure a successful season and emphasized the need to consider export opportunities, as only 4,000 tons were exported last season, falling short of initial projections.
The agricultural sector in Nabel faces challenges, particularly in marketing and promotion, due to the lack of agricultural cooperatives that can provide multiple services and help farmers distribute their produce. Aoun Allah mentioned a recent meeting with local authorities to discuss fig promotion and the planned construction of a joint wholesale market between Béni Khalad and Zaghwan.
To address the challenges facing the fig sector, Aoun Allah called for the implementation of solutions to restore and expand fig groves, as well as provide financial support and resources to farmers. He suggested organizing sectoral meetings to identify problems and develop strategies, culminating in a national conference to establish a clear plan for production, promotion, and processing.
Despite the difficulties faced by the fig sector in Nabel in recent years, it remains a strategic sector, contributing 75% to the national fig production and providing around 20,000 jobs. The region's fig production is highly regarded both locally and nationally, and efforts are being made to overcome the current challenges and ensure the sector's continued success.
Key points
- The fig harvest season has begun in Tunisia's Nabel region, with producers expecting a 10% decline in production compared to last year.
