Tunisia's Minister of Agriculture, Hydraulic Resources, and Fisheries presented the 2027 budget plan for his ministry to the National Council of Regions and Districts. The sector contributes 10% to the country's GDP, 13% to exports, and 14% to direct employment. In 2026, agricultural investments reached 1,431.3 million dinars (MD), a 19.5% increase from 2025. The minister highlighted the importance of the sector and outlined the government's priorities.
The country's cereal production has remained steady, reaching 18.68 million quintaux for the second consecutive year. The coverage of food imports by exports has also been maintained at 120% for the third year. However, the summer saw a severe heatwave, resulting in water shortages, evaporation of over 1 million cubic meters of water per day from dams, and over 1,000 fires, including 20 severe ones. A program to rebuild the livestock sector has been adopted.
Water sovereignty has been identified as the top priority for the ministry. The plan includes the construction of dams, water transfers from the north to the center and south, and a focus on potable water. A desalination plant in Sidi Abdelhamid has started operating, producing 570 liters per second. An electronic platform for managing water domain authorizations will also be launched.
To ensure food security, the program includes the digitization of large-scale crop production, rebuilding the national livestock sector, and organizing the sale of Eid al-Adha sheep. The 2027 budget plan also includes support for small olive oil producers and a "olive oil account" to regulate production. A 40 MD subsidy is planned for small cattle breeders over 2027-2030.
The ministry aims to achieve a 2.9% growth in the sector's value added and 1,536.5 MD in investments, a 7% increase. Engagement credits have reached 2,990.6 MD, a 4% increase, while payment credits stand at 2,530 MD, a 5% increase. The water program remains the largest, with 860.7 MD allocated, but it has decreased by 9%.
The 2027 budget plan has been met with concerns from elected officials, who deem the credits insufficient to address the sector's challenges. They have highlighted issues such as water shortages, outdated networks, and the need for better control over agricultural development groups. The officials have also pointed out shortages of selected seeds and fertilizers, as well as the need to reactivate national offices to regulate the market.
The minister has stated that the credits were set in coordination with other parties and attributed the water disruptions to exceptional heat. He has announced an integrated plan to ensure water supply for the summer of 2027 and mentioned ongoing imports of ammonitrate for the cereal season. The minister has also acknowledged a shortage of veterinarians and promised upcoming recruitments.
Key points
- The 2027 budget plan focuses on water sovereignty and food security.
- The plan includes investments in dam construction, water transfers, and desalination plants.
- The ministry aims to achieve a 2.9% growth in the sector's value added and 1,536.5 MD in investments.
