ADDIS ABABA: The Ministry of Agriculture has announced plans to produce 63 million quintals of agricultural yield during the fall season, locally known as Belg. Kebede Lakew, the public relations and communications executive at the Ministry of Agriculture, stated that extensive preparations have been made to achieve this ambitious production target.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the preparations include ensuring the timely availability of essential agricultural inputs and resources across Ethiopia’s spring growing regions. Efforts are underway to enhance productivity through the expansion of arable land, increased cropping frequencies, and the integration of modern agricultural technologies. With a heightened focus on the agricultural sector, farmers and semi-pastoralists can now cultivate their land multiple times a year, including through summer irrigation and autumn harvests.
The ministry has undertaken large-scale distribution of vital inputs such as soil, fertilizers, and high-quality seeds. Sectors like wheat cultivation and urban agriculture have shown substantial progress. The ministry is also mechanizing agricultural operations, providing farmers with tractors and other modern equipment. During the current production period, the government has procured 19.4 million quintals of fertilizer, with 12 million quintals already imported and distributed for summer irrigation and Belg planting. Additionally, 256,000 quintals of premium seeds have been made available for a wide range of crops, covering 2.6 million hectares of land.
Kebede emphasized that favorable weather conditions, improved agricultural inputs, and the adoption of modern farming techniques are contributing to the anticipated harvest. He stressed the importance of equipping farmers with the knowledge and resources needed for optimal cultivation practices. Positive rainfall patterns in the autumn growing regions bode well for a successful harvest, and the ministry is working to ensure the timely transportation of inputs and deployment of tractors nationwide. Kebede expressed confidence that the 63 million quintal production goal for the Belg season will be achieved, as the ministry continues to prioritize initiatives aimed at bolstering food self-sufficiency across Ethiopia.