Tunisia expects grain harvest to surge 64% to 1.8 mln tons

Tunisia’s Agriculture Minister Ezzedine Ben Cheikh announced on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, that the country’s grain harvest is projected to reach 1.8 million tons this season, a 64% increase from last year. This marks the strongest harvest in five years, following several drought-affected seasons that significantly impacted the nation’s agriculture.

The substantial rise in production is attributed to improved weather conditions, particularly adequate rainfall in key agricultural regions. “This is a good season, with about 1.8 million tons expected,” Ben Cheikh stated. Last year, Tunisia’s grain crop yielded approximately 1.1 million tons, falling short of meeting domestic demand.

Tunisia, grappling with a deep financial crisis, has been severely affected by rising global wheat prices and consecutive droughts, which have hindered food security efforts. The anticipated increase in grain production this season will allow the country to reduce its reliance on imports, a critical step given its economic challenges.

Over the past decade, Tunisia’s average annual grain harvest has been around 1.5 million tons, while annual consumption has reached approximately 3.4 million tons. As a result, the country has relied heavily on grain imports to bridge the gap. This year’s production boost could partially alleviate this issue, strengthening food security.

The successful season is expected to be a significant step toward revitalizing Tunisia’s agricultural sector, which has faced both climatic and economic challenges. The government hopes that improved yields will not only lower import costs but also bolster the country’s position in the regional agricultural market.

Tags: wheat, crop forecast, Tunisia