Exports of geothermal early vegetables, cultivation specific to the delegation of El Hamma in the governorate of Gabes, have increased by 43% compared to last season, announced Hafedh Hamdi, officer responsible for extension and agricultural promotion at the Regional Agriculture Authority (CRDA) in Gabes.
From the beginning of the season until March 10, 2016, approximately 7,140 tons of early vegetables have been exported to European markets, the Gulf and Russia, against 4,968 tons during the same period of the previous season, the official told TAP correspondent in the region.
The cultivated areas of geothermal early vegetables have reached 133 hectares this season of which 10 hectares are operated by companies using new highly profitable production techniques (250 tons / hectare).
According to estimates of the CRDA Gabes, geothermal early vegetables production will reach about 30 000 tons this season, of which 12,000 will be exported.
During last season, 11,000 tons of early vegetables have been exported, the majority of which, very good tomatoes.