Tunisia is holding a stock of grain (feed barley, durum wheat and soft wheat) covering nearly three months of national consumption, i.e. until the second half of February, the Grain Office said on Thursday.

These estimates cover the grains that are currently being imported, including 411 thousand tonnes of durum wheat, 390 thousand tonnes of soft wheat and 361 thousand tonnes of feed barley.

In view of the upward trend in the international grain market since last July, which will continue until the next harvest season, the Office plans to continue its purchase programme in order to cover national needs until the next harvest in 2022.

According to the office, durum wheat is the most expensive grain on the international market, as its price is estimated at $820 per tonne.

The same source indicated that the supply of soft wheat will continue normally, explaining that its price remains stable as its production is abundant on the international market.

Grain production this season stands at 16.4 million quintals, according to estimates by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries.

The national grain needs vary between 28 and 30 million quintals per year, according to the ministry.

Source: Tap News Agency