Addis Ababa Ethiopia has a huge potential for maize production which could be exported to neighboring countries, Maize Breeder and Seed System Specialist at International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Adefris Teklewolde, told ENA.
According to him, the yield of maize in the country is very high and the productivity is also the highest in sub-Saharan Africa, except in South Africa and Egypt.
The maize production in Ethiopia is very conducive and high, the specialist said, adding that productivity per hectare is also the highest from all the cereals in the country.
The surplus product has therefore to be sold to neighboring countries because most of the neighboring countries are maize consuming population.
Adefris stated that the seed systems are very good and some other activities, including agricultural conservation and developing drought resistance varieties and biotic factors like insects and pests, are also underway.
“If you are talking about food self-sufficiency, nutrition security, maize is playing a major role. It is the most liked cereals in the country. Almost from 30 million households in Ethiopia that are smallholder farmers, nearly 90 percent produce maize. It is very productive and grown in all regions of the country from lowlands to highlands.”
In terms of export, the country was exporting maize 5 or 6 years ago, the specialist noted, further adding that with more involvement, maize production can be expanded to the irrigated areas of the lowlands of Afar and Somali regions.
As long as this area is irrigated, we can develop varieties that can suit for that condition. But, pushing maize toward the lowlands is a little bit slow, he said.
Compared to other cereals technology utilization for maize is higher than the other cereals because the germ plasm development is a global one.
The specialist believes that “the government is doing good in terms of maize production because the national maize research system is one of the best in the region. I think the highest budget is allocated for maize and maize research system is quite best in Africa.”
In the future this support has to continue and the seed issue has to be a little bit improved through policy, and the green market also needs to be liberalized, he stressed.
The government has to popularize and scale up newly released improved maize varieties in the country, increase availability of improved seed, improve supply of inputs, specifically fertilizer and herbicide.
Even if CIMMYT’s mandate is limited, the specialist stated that it will continue to supply improved germ plasm, knowledge in seed system and support maize research and development.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency