The Ministry of Agriculture brought together on Friday the players in the sector to assess the seed and fertilizer distribution system. The issue has become sensitive as sowing approaches: the government had announced 524,000 quintals of certified seeds for the 2026-2027 campaign, or 30% of the needs, but farmers have still reported delays in several regions.
What has been confirmed
• Certified seeds programmed: 524,000 quintals.
• Announced coverage: 30% of the needs.
• Campaign 2024-2025: about 265,000 quintals.
• Supply delays were reported in early November in Jendouba and Kasserine.
• The ministry aims to better distribute seeds according to the bioclimatic map and improve the management of distribution.
An amount of certified seeds almost doubled over two campaigns
The government had announced in May that 524,000 quintals of certified seeds would be distributed in production zones for the 2026-2027 campaign. This volume represents 30% of the estimated needs.
For comparison, around 265,000 quintals were mobilized during the 2024-2025 campaign. The effort also includes new varieties developed in Tunisia, notably INRAT 100, Qods and Mektaris.
Why shortages can still appear locally
A national volume available does not guarantee uniform availability across all regions at the same time. Transport, delivery schedules, geographic distribution, and local demand can create temporary tensions.
In early November, agricultural officials in Jendouba reported seed and fertilizer shortages, while in Kasserine the Regional Union of Agriculture called for speeding up the supply of wheat and barley seeds.
The ministry wants to review the distribution system
During the November 6 meeting, Agriculture Minister Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh called for improving the efficiency of the seed and fertilizer management framework.
Among the announced directions are the expansion of irrigated areas and the use of the bioclimatic map to better adapt the distribution of selected seeds to the characteristics of the regions.
Fertilizers: stocks, distribution and digital platform
The government had already decided to accelerate the building up of fertilizer stocks to cover the season’s needs, while maintaining current prices of chemical fertilizers.
It also plans to secure storage centers, ensure their energy supply, and guarantee a more equitable distribution. The digital platform “Fertilizers” is intended to enable the various stakeholders to monitor the system more transparently.
The timetable becomes the real challenge
For a farmer, the national quantity available matters less than the availability of the input at the precise moment of sowing. A delay of a few weeks can affect the cultivation calendar and reduce the effectiveness of the rainfall.
The coming weeks will therefore allow assessing the campaign according to three criteria: real availability at distribution points, regional distribution, and adherence to deadlines.
Sources: TAP, Ministry of Agriculture, Presidency of the Government. Data verified as of November 7, 2026.
