ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia’s agriculture sector has shown positive results in the second half of 2017, according to Dr. Girma Amente, Minister of Agriculture.
At a review meeting on the Ministry’s budget plan, Dr. Amente shared key figures from the sector’s performance. Over 601 million quintals of produce were harvested during the autumn season from the Lemaw region, while 236 million quintals were recorded in the horticulture sector.
The Minister also reported that 4 million hectares of land were planted with irrigation wheat, while more than 3.5 million hectares were covered in the first round of horticulture development.
In livestock, Ethiopia reached significant milestones with the breeding of 1.9 million cattle using artificial insemination. Additionally, 61.5 million chicks were distributed within six months.
Dr. Amente highlighted ongoing efforts to improve natural resources, with the Green Footprint Program aiming to plant 7.5 billion seedlings. So far, 2.5 billion trees have been planted, and the Ministry is focused on addressing soil acidity as a major concern.
The government is also ensuring that agricultural inputs reach farmers, with 24 million quintals of fertilizer set for purchase this year. Of this, 13 million quintals have been acquired, including 5.6 million quintals imported into the country.
In total, the agriculture sector has generated $1.6 billion in the first half of the fiscal year.
