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Once a vibrant symbol of Tunisia's lush agriculture, the prickly pear plant has succumbed to a silent invasion. These once lush green cacti, which stretch across nearly 1.5 million acres of the country's agricultural land, are now turning a dull gray. The culprit? A tiny insect known as the cotal, which is devastating harvests and, with them, a significant portion of Tunisia's economy.
How did this happen? The cotal insect, which sucks the sap from the cactus pads, ultimately kills the plant, spelling disaster for thousands of Tunisians who depend on the prickly pear for their livelihoods. Agriculture expert Fousy Zani estimates that the plant's decline is affecting not just the economy but also the lives of many, particularly women who spend their summers harvesting and selling the fruit.
The cinal insect may have originated in Mexico, but it has found a new home in Tunisia since 2021. While Mexico has developed prevention methods, Tunisia is now grappling with the challenge. Selma Jard Did, a local woman, laments the disease that has come to destroy their primary source of sustenance. Her village, like many others, once thrived on the fruits of the prickly pear.
In response, the Tunisian government and international organizations are mobilizing resources to combat the invasive species. The Food and Agricultural Organization has initiated a $500,000 emergency project to introduce biological control methods, including the deployment of ladybugs, natural predators of the cotal insect. The Ministry of Agriculture is also promoting sustainable control measures, such as changes in agricultural practices, pruning, and cleaning production areas.
For farmers like Bassen Shanon, the invasion has been a source of insomnia. When he discovered the insect on his harvest, authorities intervened swiftly, but the fear of the infestation spreading remains. The emotional and economic toll is profound, and the fight against the cotal insect is far from over.
Can Tunisia save its prickly pear industry? The answer lies in continued efforts to implement effective control measures and the resilience of its people. As we witness the transformation of once vibrant fields into gray wastelands, the question remains: What more can be done to protect this vital resource?
By understanding the gravity of the situation and joining forces, there is hope that Tunisia can overcome this challenge and restore the health of its prickly pear crops, ensuring a brighter future for all who depend on them.
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