Tunisian Agriculture Minister Azeddine Ben Sheikh has emphasized that ensuring water sovereignty will be a top priority for the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Maritime Fishing in 2027. This will involve continuing the construction of dams, strengthening the water transport system, and securing drinking water supplies. The minister made these remarks during a joint session of the National Council of Regions and Districts' Productive Sectors Committee and the Assembly of People's Representatives' Agriculture, Food Security, Water, and Maritime Fishing Committee.
The minister highlighted that the 2027 water strategy will include the launch of the seawater desalination plant in Sidi Abd al-Hamid and the continuation of water resource management digitalization. Additionally, efforts will be made to regularize the status of unlicensed agricultural wells. Ben Sheikh also emphasized that food security will be a key focus area, with priorities including digitalizing large-scale agricultural systems, enhancing the competitiveness of olive oil, and supporting animal production systems.
The minister reviewed the main objectives of the 2026-2030 development plan, stressing that food security and water sovereignty are essential components of public policy. He also presented various indicators related to the sector's performance in 2026, including agricultural investments worth 1431.3 million dinars and improvements in olive and grain production. The minister noted that the coverage of food imports by exports remained at around 120%.
The proposed budget for the agriculture sector in 2027 is approximately 2990.579 million dinars, compared to 2879.401 million dinars in 2026. The payment credits for 2027 are estimated at 2530 million dinars, up from 2400 million dinars in 2026. The water, agricultural production, and forestry programs will receive significant allocations, with development expenditures accounting for 65.4% of the total budget.
During the discussion, MPs focused on the relevance of the allocated credits to the sector's importance in achieving food security. The issue of water supply disruptions during the 2026 summer and the need to guarantee access to clean drinking water were raised. MPs also emphasized the importance of accelerating the completion of water supply projects and desalination plants, as well as improving the governance of water management.
The discussion also touched on the state of the livestock sector, with concerns raised about the high cost of feed and the challenges of rebuilding the national herd. MPs called for support for the livestock sector, including measures to regulate milk pricing and improve veterinary services. Additionally, issues related to agricultural production, such as access to fertilizers and seeds, were discussed.
The meeting also addressed the fishing sector, with MPs emphasizing the need to develop port infrastructure and protect fish resources from overfishing. The importance of reviewing fishing seasons based on scientific research and environmental requirements was also highlighted. Furthermore, MPs discussed priorities in the forestry sector, including fire prevention, road maintenance, and reforestation efforts.
Key points
- The Tunisian government has allocated significant funds to the agriculture sector in 2027, with a focus on water sovereignty and food security.
- The 2027 budget for the agriculture sector is approximately 2990.579 million dinars.
- The minister emphasized the importance of digitalizing large-scale agricultural systems and enhancing the competitiveness of olive oil.
