The Tunisian government says it will pump a total of TND324 million (about $120 million) in the agriculture sector next year. This is 18% of the TND1.78 billion that will be allocated to the department of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries for the year.

According to Akissa Bahri (pictured) who heads this department, the 2021 agricultural subsidy is 17% higher than that of 2020. With this new financing, the government plans to carry out actions aimed at consolidating the performance of the fishing sector and aquaculture activity through increased public investment. It also intends to improve the use of water for agricultural irrigation by increasing the supply of water resources and increasing the country's forested areas.  

“The department will subsidize key sectors and establish a clear roadmap for the agriculture, food security and health sectors. A 2025 water strategy will also be formulated,” the minister said.

Overall, in 2019/2020, the Tunisian agricultural sector performed well despite the coronavirus pandemic. Exports of olive oil, the country's flagship product, generated more than TND2.2 billion dinars, a record level. 

Espoir Olodo