The Commissariat régional au développement agricole (CRDA) in Jendouba, Tunisia, has pledged to ensure a steady supply of irrigation water for farmers growing sugar beets during the 2026-2027 agricultural season. This move aims to sustain the sugar beet industry, which is crucial for maintaining soil productivity, generating fodder, and creating jobs. The CRDA's commitment also seeks to contribute to meeting the country's sugar demands. The announcement was made through a communiqué released on Thursday.
According to Naïm Ghorbal, the general director of the Ben Bechir sugar beet processing plant in Jendoub-Nord, 3,000 hectares will be dedicated to sugar beet cultivation. Specifically, 2,000 hectares will be allocated in Jendouba, while the remaining 1,000 hectares will be distributed between the Béja and Bizerte governorates. This allocation is part of efforts to revive and sustain the sugar beet industry in the region.
The sugar beet industry is a traditional agricultural activity in Jendouba. However, challenges such as high water consumption, droughts, difficulties in obtaining inputs, and low prices have led many farmers to abandon this crop in favor of others. To address these challenges, the CRDA and related agricultural authorities are working to ensure that farmers have access to necessary resources, including fertilizers, phytosanitary products, and equipment.
In the previous season, several farmers in areas like Bouhertma 2, Souk Essebt, and Jemamza achieved high yields, exceeding 100 tons per hectare. These successes demonstrate the potential for sugar beet cultivation in Jendouba and underscore the importance of supporting this industry. The authorities are focused on building on these achievements to ensure the long-term sustainability of sugar beet farming in the region.
The upcoming agricultural season's campaign is set to begin in the middle of the upcoming week. Efforts are currently underway to guarantee the availability of essential inputs, including fertilizers and phytosanitary products. This preparation is critical for the success of the sugar beet cultivation season and for maintaining the momentum gained in previous seasons.
The CRDA's commitment to providing irrigation water and supporting sugar beet farmers reflects a broader strategy to promote agricultural development and sustainability in Jendouba. By addressing the challenges faced by sugar beet farmers and providing necessary resources, the CRDA aims to enhance agricultural productivity and contribute to the region's economic growth.
As the 2026-2027 agricultural season approaches, farmers in Jendouba and surrounding regions are preparing for another productive season. With the CRDA's assurance of irrigation water and ongoing support for the sugar beet industry, there is optimism about the potential for increased yields and improved livelihoods for farmers involved in this critical agricultural activity.
Key points
- The CRDA has committed to providing irrigation water for 3,000 hectares of sugar beet cultivation in Jendouba and neighboring regions for the 2026-2027 season.
