Tunisian farmers are calling on the government to stop what they call the indiscriminate import of agricultural products from Egypt, as they think these harm the domestic farming sector. The Tunisian government, however, argues that it cannot hinder the freedom of imports.
The farmers claim their government is allowing the market to be flooded with foreign produce, especially from Egypt, prioritising the interests of well-connected businessmen at the expense of regular farmers’ livelihoods. They say products such as vegetables, milk and meat continue to be imported despite Tunisian producers’ ability to provide enough of them at home.
While farmers request government assistance in the form of loans, agricultural fertiliser and assistance in distributing or storing surplus production, the government seems unwilling to prioritise such demands, as it remains concerned with its own crises, including political and union pressures and its search for loans at home and abroad.
Source: thearabweekly.com
Photo source: Dreamstime.com
