The Ben Arous governorate in Tunisia has allocated 16,390 hectares for major crops in the 2026-2027 agricultural season. The allocated land will be used for various crops, including grains, fodder, legumes, and industrial crops. According to the Regional Commission for Agricultural Development, the allocation is based on the patterns of agricultural production commonly used by farmers in the region.
The largest area, approximately 9,800 hectares, has been allocated for grain production. The majority of this area, over 9,700 hectares, will be used for rain-fed crops, while around 600 hectares will be irrigated. The grain production will focus on wheat, barley, and triticale. Specifically, 5,100 hectares will be dedicated to wheat, 3,900 hectares to barley, and 250 hectares to triticale.
In addition to grains, 4,959 hectares have been allocated for fodder production. The majority of this area, around 5,509 hectares, will be used for "قرط" (a type of fodder crop), while the remaining areas will be used for other types of fodder, including green fodder, silage, and seeds.
The Ben Arous governorate has also allocated 315 hectares for dry legume production, which includes various crops such as fava beans, Egyptian fava beans, chickpeas, lentils, and winter hummus. Furthermore, around 250 hectares have been allocated for industrial crop production, specifically for oilseed rape.
According to Jaleela Ben Hussein, head of the office for major crops at the Regional Commission for Agricultural Development, the region requires approximately 15,498 quintals of seeds for the upcoming agricultural season. This includes 11,949 quintals of high-quality seeds and 3,549 quintals of monitored barley. The region also needs around 9,500 tons of chemical fertilizers.
Arrangements have been made to secure the necessary seeds and fertilizers. The Regional Commission for Agricultural Development has been in contact with the General Directorate of Agricultural Production to determine the points of supply for seeds. An agreement has been reached to place the seeds at the disposal of the Cooperative Centrale de Services Agricoles for wheat and the company AGRI 3 M in the delegation of Mernag.
In the previous agricultural season, the Ben Arous governorate produced around 300,000 quintals of grains and 41,215 tons of fodder. The new agricultural season's production is expected to build on this momentum, contributing to Tunisia's agricultural sector.
Key points
- The Ben Arous governorate has allocated 16,390 hectares for major crops in the 2026-2027 agricultural season.
- Grain production will occupy the largest area, approximately 9,800 hectares.
- The region requires around 15,498 quintals of seeds and 9,500 tons of chemical fertilizers for the upcoming agricultural season.
