BTS Bank to Mobilize 20 Million TND to Support Small-Scale Date Farmers Ahead of Upcoming Harvest
As the next date harvest season approaches, the Tunisian Solidarity Bank (BTS Bank) plans to mobilize 20 million Tunisian dinars (TND) to support small-scale farmers. According to statements relayed by the Tunisian Press Agency (TAP), this funding will be distributed in the form of seasonal credits designed to finance date collection, storage, and the maintenance of oases in southern Tunisia.
Geographic Scope and Seasonal Preparation
The initiative covers the governorates of Kébili, Tozeur, Gafsa, and Gabès, where preparations for the 2026–2027 season require significant financial resources to support harvesting operations and preserve oasis ecosystems.
Simplified Access to Financing
To facilitate access to these funds, BTS Bank is removing two major barriers that often constrain small-scale operators:
- No collateral requirements
- No personal equity contribution required
The credits will be offered at a fixed interest rate under preferential terms and simplified procedures, with clearly defined processing timelines to ensure timely disbursement.
Application Channels
Farmers can submit their applications directly to BTS Bank or through collective agricultural structures, including:
- Mutual Agricultural Service Companies (SMSA)
- Agricultural Development Groups (GDA)
- Community-based companies
Financing through these intermediaries will be conducted under formal agreements established with the bank.
Strategic Objectives
Through this funding package, BTS Bank aims to:
- Enable small-scale farmers to better prepare for the harvest season
- Support critical operations in date collection and storage
- Contribute to the long-term maintenance and sustainability of oasis environments
The speed of fund availability is a key priority, ensuring that beneficiaries have access to necessary resources at the right time to maximize operational efficiency.
Economic Importance of the Date Sector
The date industry remains a vital component of Tunisia’s export economy. According to data from the National Agriculture Observatory (Onagri), date export revenues reached 908.4 million TND during the first ten months of the 2025–2026 campaign, based on an export volume of 144,100 tonnes.
This initiative underscores the strategic importance of supporting smallholder farmers in maintaining both agricultural productivity and the ecological integrity of Tunisia’s oasis regions.
