Olive Harvest Expected to Drop by Half

Agricultural policy expert Fathi Zayani and the regional agricultural union in Kairouan predict a 40-50% drop in this year's olive harvest compared to the previous season. The expected production is estimated at around 200,000 to 250,000 tons due to lack of rainfall, the impact of drought on rain-fed areas, and power outages affecting irrigation pumps during the summer. Farmers are calling on banks to provide the necessary liquidity to fund harvesting and storage operations to save the season.