(TAP) – Grain prices at the production level increased by 7 dinars per quintal for durum wheat, 5 dinars for soft wheat and 3 dinars for barley, following discussions with the industry professionals, Prime Minister Youssef Chahed announced on Wednesday in Tunis.

On the occasion of the inking of a sector-based pact of the diary sector, Chahed noted that this measure is likely to strengthen food security that represents a key part of the country’s national security through helping the famers and reducing cereal imports.

The grain price increase at the production level is part of the State’s effort to help grain farmers and establish a beneficial procedure, Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries Samir Taieb told TAP.

The minister also expected a good grain harvesting, qualifying the season as “excellent”, as data included in the Economic Budget for 2019 indicate the possibility to produce 19 million quintals of grain during this season