Gabes: exports of geothermal farming soar
Tunisia Online News


02 April 2010
As part of the 2009-2014 presidential program which is planning to increase by 50% the areas devoted to geothermal farming to reach 310 hectares by 2014, the governorate of Gabes is currently witnessing a remarkable increase of activity in the area.

During the current season, the areas devoted to geothermal farming in the governorate of Gabes reached 110 hectares including 82, 5% reserved for tomato crops the rest being divided among pumpkins, zucchinis, peppers, melons and strawberries.

Until February 2010, the quantities of vegetables exported reached 4,633 tons against 2, 823 in 2009.
France is the largest importer of these products.

Geothermal water which measures between 40 and 70 degrees Celsius is also used in greenhouses for both irrigation and heating. The region of El Hamma , (near Gabes )which is famous for its hot water springs , has attracted a large number of Tunisian and foreign investors.

© Tunisia Online News 2010

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