Greenhouses threatened by water salinity and strong winds in Tunisia

The rising salinity of the deep well that irrigates farming allotments in Jemna (Kébili Sud) is worrying the region's farmers. A second area of concern following the destruction of greenhouses caused by strong winds.

The sudden rise in salinity (over 14 grams/litre) is worrying for greenhouse owners, Taher Yahya et Mongi Boubaker, who says it causes serious damage to tomatoes and watermelons (which can be seen in their dull yellow leafage).

Numerous farmers are in financial trouble and cannot afford to rent irrigation tanks or pay their debts. The farmers say that date palms are also at risk of damage.

The Regional Agricultural Commissioner (CRDA), Fayez Mouslem, says that a crisis unit has been set up to assess the salinity.

A provisionary solution for warm water greenhouses has been set up where water from cold wells is used and the deep well is only used to heat water.

President of the Association of greenhouse crops in Limgueyes, Mohamed Rhaimi, says that the weather hits the crops each year and that compensation should be provided to the farmers affected.

According to the CRDA services in Kébili, the strong winds destroyed 590 plastic sheetings and 12 greenhouses were totally destroyed.