Tunis: A small Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri, was conducted at the Kasbah to assess the progress of initiatives stemming from the state's strategy for enhancing agricultural systems. The meeting advocated for a swift rollout of programmes and projects aligned with the unified agricultural policy strategy, aiming to upgrade all farming systems.
According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, the meeting also underscored the urgency of advancing the livestock restocking programme for sheep and cattle, diversifying production, and strengthening agro-food processing. Emphasis was placed on accelerating the restructuring of farms under the Office of State Lands and the Livestock and Pasture Office to restore equilibrium in the dairy and meat sectors. This effort aims to support small farmers and professional organisations involved in agricultural activities while ensuring the provision of necessary funding.
The Cabinet also pressed for the swift modernisation and digitisation of distribution channels, slaughterhouses, and markets to ensure price transparency and combat monopolies and speculation, as noted in a statement from the Prime Ministry. On this occasion, the Prime Minister highlighted the need for expediting structural reforms within agricultural systems, particularly in the grain, olive oil, animal feed, dairy, and livestock sectors.
Prime Minister Zaafrani Zenzri asserted that agricultural systems constitute a strategic pillar of national sovereignty and food security, especially amid global instability and market fluctuations. She called for a comprehensive, integrated approach focused on supporting farmers and producers, modernising value chains, and enhancing governance in distribution, processing, and storage. This approach aims to reinforce food sovereignty, reduce dependency, and build a more resilient and self-reliant agricultural framework.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of agriculture in Tunisia's national security, highlighting the need to develop both plant and animal production systems. Enhancing resilience, rebuilding the national herd of cattle and sheep, and increasing storage capacities were identified as crucial steps to mitigate global market volatility and supply chain disruptions.
The Prime Minister also emphasised the necessity of strengthening water security and adopting smart, water-efficient agricultural technologies to achieve water sovereignty. She noted that the agricultural sector is a strategic pillar of the economic and social fabric, serving as a key driver of growth, job creation, and foreign currency earnings. It accounts for approximately 10% of GDP, 13% of export value, and 14% of total employment in the country, providing the main source of livelihood for 70% of rural populations.
Zaafrani Zenzri highlighted the national duty to overcome challenges, particularly for small farmers, in line with directives from President Kais Saied. She affirmed that supporting the sector, enhancing its productive capacities, and adapting to rapid regional and international transformations remain constant and strategic national priorities. This commitment is essential to consolidate national sovereignty, reinforce economic independence, ensure food sovereignty, and address global changes and fluctuations.