Agricultural research focuses on seed diversity and climate adaptation

In Tunisia, Mondher Ben Salem, Director General of the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRAT), clarified the status of traditional cereal varieties. He stated that ancient seeds like ‘Chili’ and ‘Mahmoudi’ are still cultivated by small-scale rural farmers for their high nutritional quality. While these traditional varieties yield between 10 and 15 quintals per hectare, they serve as a genetic foundation for developing high-yield varieties that can reach 80 quintals per hectare.

Ben Salem noted that 80% of certified seeds in Tunisia are produced by INRAT, asserting that the country does not import seeds. Scientific advancements have also reduced the time required to create new cereal varieties from over a decade to approximately five years.

In France, the 19th edition of the ‘La Terre est notre métier’ exhibition in Retiers focused on climate change adaptation. The event highlighted organic farming techniques—such as crop rotation, cover crops, and organic fertilization—as potential solutions for conventional farmers facing water scarcity, thermal stress, and rising input costs. The exhibition included a dedicated pole for climate, water, and biodiversity to discuss transition strategies and water management.