Artichoke Production Expected to Flourish This Season
Ministry of Agriculture Anticipates Favorable Harvest Due to Recent Rainfall
The Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries, Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh, announced that artichoke production is expected to be favorable this season, thanks to recent rainfall. The Minister made this statement during the inauguration of the 3rd Artichoke Festival in Jedaida, La Manouba Governorate.
Ben Cheikh highlighted the importance of this event in promoting a strategic vegetable crop in the horticultural sector, despite limited cultivated areas. Artichokes account for approximately 7.7% of vegetable exports, with a production of around 3,300 tons, valued at 8.2 million dinars.
The Minister also emphasized the improvement in water resources in dams, with a filling rate of 33.7%, and a stock exceeding 800 million cubic meters, representing a 30 million cubic meter increase compared to the previous year.
Meanwhile, La Manouba Governor, Mahmoud Chouaib, reminded that the region concentrates 28% of the national area dedicated to artichoke cultivation and ensures nearly 40% of the production.
According to data from the La Manouba Regional Development Authority (CRDA), production is expected to reach 3,024 tons this season, covering an area of 378 hectares.
The Artichoke Festival, which runs until February 9, 2025, features an exhibition on artichoke cultivation, animations, and tasting sessions, with the participation of around 30 artisans from various regions of the country.
