ADAMA — President Shimelis Abdisa of the Oromia region unveiled ambitious plans to enhance agricultural productivity and expand export capacity through focused cultivation of rainy-season crops and increased production of irrigated wheat. This announcement was made at the 7th regular meeting of the Chefe Oromia (Oromia Council) which commenced today in Adama city.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the region aims to cultivate 12.4 million hectares of Meher farmland during both the rainy and dry seasons, with a goal to produce over 379 million quintals of crops. A specific target of 163 million quintals of wheat is set for the dry season irrigation on 4 million hectares of land. To support these agricultural efforts, the regional government plans to distribute substantial resources including 16.8 million quintals of fertilizer, 1.8 million quintals of improved seeds, and 3.7 million liters of herbicides and pesticides.

President Shimelis highlighted the strategic focus on coffee production and livestock to enhance export capabilities. This includes distributing 2.5 million improved bull breeds and 1.5 million modern beehives, alongside 198 million pullet and day-old chicks to modernize poultry practices. In his report, Shimelis also outlined the plan to attract investors with a combined capital of more than 200 billion Birr, aimed at creating job opportunities for 1.7 million citizens.

Moreover, the president reiterated the regional government’s commitment to peace and development, acknowledging the successful law enforcement efforts in the past fiscal year that have contributed to regional stability. He called on all involved in disruptive activities to engage in peaceful discourse, underlining the administration’s openness to reconciliation and peace.