Tunisia to build new grain silos with a capacity of 120 thsd tons

The Tunisian Grain Office plans to construct new grain silos for storing soft wheat, durum wheat, and barley by 2027. The total storage capacity will reach nearly 120,000 tonnes, with the project valued at TND 205 million, according to the institution’s CEO, Salwa Benhadid Zouari. The new facilities will be located in Rades (40,000 tonnes), Sousse (58,000 tonnes), and Sfax (38,000 tonnes).

Additionally, as part of the grain sector reform program, the Tunisian government will invest TND 143 million to renovate existing silos built in 1985, which currently hold a total capacity of 206,000 tonnes. Authorities see these initiatives as a way to improve grain storage conditions, preserve strategic reserves, and better manage international market purchases.

The country’s overall grain storage capacity now stands at 508,000 tonnes, including three port silos (74,000 tonnes), eight fallback silos (168,000 tonnes), and ten leased private-sector storage facilities (272,000 tonnes). An additional 47,500 tonnes of storage capacity have already been introduced for the 2024/2025 season, allowing for better grain flow management.

The government also plans to organize training sessions on open-air grain storage. Officials state that this method is primarily used for barley and large grain batches but requires strict adherence to technical standards, particularly considering weather-related risks.

Separately, the government has allocated TND 2.4 billion in funding for 35 grain collectors, including the Grain Office, to facilitate the purchase of the 2025 harvest. To improve grain distribution across regions, authorities have also decided to temporarily lift the 22-tonne weight limit on transport trucks, aiming to enhance logistics during peak harvest periods.

Tags: grain storage, Tunisia