The production of medicinal and aromatic plants extracts in Tunisia amounts to 10 thousand tonnes, while the production of rosemary oil represents 41% of the total aromatic oils produced nationwide, said Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries Abdelmonem Belati, Saturday in Djerba, at the opening of the 6th International Forum on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. Citrus oils rank second, accounting for 38% of the total Tunisian production of aromatic oils, Belati noted, adding that France is the first customer of Tunisia in this field, followed by the United States of America and Japan. The minister also stressed the importance of these plants, whose use is no longer limited to the manufacture of medicines, but extends to the cosmetics and food industries. Organised at the initiative of the Medenine Institute of Arid Zones, the event, which brings together more than 300 participants from 20 countries, is an opportunity to publicise the latest research in this area, and to strengthen the links between researchers and industry, as well as to ensure the sharing of regional and international experience and expertise between the various participants.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP)