SIAMAP 2021: International exhibition of agriculture kicks off in Tunisia

By Omotayo Edubi

The 15th edition of the International Exhibition of Agriculture, Agricultural Machinery and Fisheries “SIAMAP 2021” was opened Tuesday at the Kram Exhibition Center in Tunisia.

This biennial exhibition organised by the Tunisian Union of Agriculture and Fishery (UTAP), is held from October 26 to 31, 2021 on the theme “Agriculture is our immunity”.

Inaugurating the “SIAMAP 2021”, Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries, Mahmoud Elyes Hamza stressed that this exhibition is an opportunity to learn about new technological developments in the agricultural sector and establish partnerships and cooperation to meet the various challenges facing the sector.

According to the Minister, these challenges are mainly related to agricultural production in a context marked by the scarcity of water resources, climate change, new diseases and socio-economic and organisational developments influencing agriculture.

He also said that the recent rains recorded in Tunisia will promote preparations for the grain campaign, especially that some dams have received good contributions.

For his part, UTAP President Abdelmajid Ezzar said that the 15th edition of SIAMAP is an opportunity to promote the image of the country and restore the confidence of foreign partners.

He added that SIAMAP, the second largest agricultural exhibition in Africa, shows once again, that agriculture is the lifeline of the Tunisian economy and the best way to solve the problem of unemployment, stressing the need to see the political will to support farmers and agricultural investment, a will that is still lacking.

This edition of SIAMAP knows the participation of 35 African, Asian, European and Arab countries, 400 exhibitors including 70% Tunisian and international organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the World Organisation of Farmers and the Promotion of Family Farming in West Africa (Pafao).

The exhibition covers an area of 23,000 m² spread over several pavilions dedicated to agricultural machinery, cattle breeding, fishing and aquaculture, as well as organic farming.

In the agenda of this exhibition, there are also equestrian competitions (showjumping) and contests dedicated to pets.