Latest news with #NationalObservatoryofAgriculture
African Manager
05-07-2025
- Climate
- African Manager
Dams: Water stocks improving but still below average
Water reserves in all Tunisian dams saw a significant 28% increase, reaching 880 million m³ as of July 3, 2025, compared to 688 million m³ on the same date in 2024, according to data from the National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI). However, this rise remains modest, only 6.1%, when compared to the three-year average of 829.1 million m³. The overall dam filling rate stood at 37.2% on July 3, 2025. Northern dams, which hold 91.8% of the country's total water reserves, recorded a higher filling rate of 43.5%, marking a 25.3% increase compared to the same period last year. In contrast, dams in the Central and Cap Bon regions reported much lower filling rates: 12.4% (56 million m³) and 27.2% (16.8 million m³), respectively. Water inflows: Mixed trends Cumulative water inflows from the current season (Sept 1, 2024 – July 3, 2025) reached 959.6 million m³, a 48.5% increase compared to last season (646.2 million m³). However, these inflows dropped by 45.5% compared to the multi-year average of 1.76 billion m³. Helpful But Insufficient Rainfall Despite recent rainfall, its impact on dam levels remains limited. Safa Slama, head of water resources at the Agricultural Development Commission in Siliana, told TAP news agency that while the rain was beneficial for many crops, it wasn't enough to significantly raise dam levels. In August, Siliana saw six rainy days, with the heaviest rainfall in Kesra (49 mm), Sidi Bourouis (38 mm), and Makther and Rouhia (30 mm). In early September, the highest rainfall was recorded in El Krib (41 mm), Gaâfour (28 mm), and Laroussa (25 mm). Water reserves at local dams stood at 17% (Siliana Dam), 21% (Ermil Dam), and 2.2% (Lakhmes Dam), with respective storage capacities of 29 million m³, 1.8 million m³, and 6 million m³. Persistent drought and future strategy Tunisia has been facing drought conditions for five consecutive years. Studies confirm the ongoing drought and a noticeable decrease in rainfall, affecting both drinking water and irrigation supplies. The government has identified water management as a key priority going forward, focusing on rationalizing water consumption across all sectors, reducing demand and increasing use of non-traditional sources, such as seawater desalination and treated wastewater reuse.
African Manager
21-03-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia: Food trade balance records a surplus of 390.2 MD by end of February 2025
The food trade balance recorded a surplus of 390.2 million dinars (MD) by the end of February 2025, compared to a surplus of 875.5 MD during the same period the previous year, according to data released by the National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI). As a result, the coverage ratio reached 129.8% by the end of February 2025, down from 174.1% in February 2024. In value terms, food exports decreased by 17.5%, while imports increased by 10.6%. According to ONAGRI, the observed decline is primarily due to a decrease in exports of olive oil (-23.9%), dates (-14.6%), and fishery products (-38.3%), as well as an increase in imports of cereals (+5.8%). However, imports of sugar (-58.7%) and vegetable oils (-58.3%) declined. The average export price of olive oil dropped to TND 12.42 /kg, marking a 54.7% decrease compared to the previous year. As for the import prices of grain products, they fell by 19% for durum wheat and 3.4% for soft wheat, while increasing by 7.4% for barley and 6.7% for corn.
African Manager
20-03-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Morocco is the top importer of Tunisian dates
Tunisian dates are among the best in the world, renowned for their sweetness and rich flavor. Often consumed raw, they are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Deglet Nour dates, in particular, are rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, making them beneficial for preventing heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. This is one of the reasons why Tunisia's date export revenues reached 581.8 million dinars (MD) by the end of February 2025, a slight decrease of 1% compared to the same period the previous year, according to data published by the National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI). The average price of dates in February 2025 was 6.02 dinars per kilogram, marking a 1.9% decline compared to the same month in the previous season. Exported quantities between the start of the season (October 2024) and the end of February 2025 amounted to 90.3 thousand tons, down 2.9% from 92.9 thousand tons during the same period the previous year. The Deglet Nour variety accounted for 86.8% of total export volumes. In terms of export destinations, the European Union holds the largest share at 37.3%, followed by Africa at 28.9%, and Asia at 23.7%. Morocco is the top importer of Tunisian dates, accounting for 22.8% of exported quantities during the first five months of the 2024/2025 season, followed by Italy (9.9%) and France (6.9%). By the end of February 2025, exports of organic dates reached 3.7 thousand tons, valued at approximately 35 million dinars. Compared to the same period the previous year, organic date exports fell by 5.9%, while revenues dropped by 30.7%. However, organic dates accounted for only 4% of total date exports (all types combined). The average price of organic dates was 9.36 dinars per kilogram, varying by type: 8.38 dinars/kg for conventional organic dates, 10.35 dinars/kg for organic date derivatives, and 2.53 dinars/kg for industrial-grade organic dates. Germany remains the top destination for organic dates, representing 28% of export volumes, followed by the Netherlands (12%) and France (12%). Tunisia: 2nd largest exporter and 3rd in revenue The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently published a list of the top 10 date producers/exporters globally. Tunisia ranks second worldwide in terms of exported quantities (130,307 tons) and third in terms of revenue ($244.75 million). The UN agency notes that global date production covers an area of over 1.09 million hectares, with an estimated annual output of more than 8.5 million tons across nearly 5,000 date varieties worldwide. The two main production zones are Asia, which accounts for 55.8% of global production, and Africa with 43.4%. Arab countries alone produce 77% of the world's dates, approximately 6.6 million tons annually, and are home to nearly 160 million date palm trees.
African Manager
19-03-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Olive Oil export revenues decline by 26.8% at end of February 2025
Olive oil export revenues, from the beginning of the season until the end of February 2025, reached 1691.4 million dinars (MD), posting a 26.8% decrease compared to the same period in the previous season, according to data published on Monday by the National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI). However, the quantities of olive oil exported increased by 40.8%, reaching 132.2 thousand tons. Packaged olive oil accounted for only 10.2% of exports, while the majority was exported in bulk (89.8%). The decline in export revenues is primarily attributed to the drop in the average price of olive oil. Notably, prices fell by 54.9% in February 2025 compared to the same period the previous year, ranging between TND 8.5/kg and TND 18.7/kg depending on the category. ONAGRI also highlighted that the largest share of Tunisian exports is directed to the European market (59.4% of export volumes), followed by North America (24%) and Africa (9.5%). Italy, the top importer of Tunisian olive oil Italy remains the leading importer of Tunisian olive oil, accounting for 31.4% of the quantities exported during the first four months of the 2024/2025 season. It is followed by Spain (24%) and the United States (19.4%). Regarding organic olive oil, export volumes reached 24.8 thousand tons, valued at approximately 343.5 MD by the end of February 2025. However, packaged organic olive oil represented only 4.2% of the total exported organic olive oil volume. The average price of organic olive oil stood at TND 13.85/kg, ranging between TND 13.66/kg for bulk and TND 18.25/kg for packaged oil. Italy is also the top importer of Tunisian organic olive oil, accounting for 65% of exported quantities, followed by Spain (16%) and the United States (10%). Series of measures for the olive oil sector For years, the Tunisian government has been committed to a program aimed at enhancing the value of its high-quality olive oil. Through initiatives such as agri-food investments and innovative marketing strategies, the sector aims to transition from mass production to packaged oils. Training initiatives have been deployed to promote environmentally friendly production practices, thereby enhancing biosafety, sustainability, and conservation. The goal is clear: to position Tunisian olive oil on the global map, help local producers access high-value export markets, and improve product quality. Additionally, this initiative aims to strengthen the sector's resilience to climate change. The Tunisian olive oil sector, with roots dating back to pre-Roman times, is at a turning point in its history. Through strategic investments, well-thought-out export strategies, food safety measures, and a strong brand image, it is poised for a renaissance. Tunisia can promote sustainable economic development, stimulate agricultural innovation, and strengthen its position as the world's leading supplier of high-quality olive oil products. The future of Tunisian olive oil looks brighter than ever. It is worth recalling that Tunisia recently secured first place globally at the International Afro-Asian Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition, organized by the Swedish group 'International Olive Oil Competitions' in Abu Dhabi.
African Manager
19-03-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia: Date export revenues slightly down
Tunisian date export revenues reached 581.8 million dinars (MD) by the end of February 2025, down 1% compared to the same period the previous year, according to data published by the National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI). The average price of dates in February 2025 stood at TND 6.02/kg, reflecting a 1.9% decline compared to the same month in the previous season. The quantities exported between the beginning of the season (October 2024) and the end of February 2025 amounted to 90.3 thousand tons, down from 92.9 thousand tons during the same period the previous year, representing a 2.9% decrease. The 'Deglet Nour' variety accounted for 86.8% of the total export volume. In terms of destination, the European Union represents the largest share of export volume at 37.3%, followed by Africa at 28.9%, and Asia at 23.7%. Morocco is the top importer of Tunisian dates, accounting for 22.8% of the quantities exported during the first five months of the 2024/2025 season, followed by Italy (9.9%) and France (6.9%). By the end of February 2025, organic date exports reached 3.7 thousand tons, valued at approximately 35 million dinars. Compared to the same period the previous year, organic date exports fell by 5.9%, while revenues dropped by 30.7%. However, organic dates accounted for only 4% of the total date export volume (all types combined). The average price of organic dates is TND 9.36/kg. This price varies depending on the type of dates: TND 8.38/kg for conventional organic dates, TND 10.35/kg for organic date derivatives, and TND 2.53/kg for industrial-grade organic dates. Germany remains the top destination for organic dates, representing 28% of the export volume, followed by the Netherlands (12%) and France (12%).
