Oromia Reports Record Wheat Harvest Following Summer Irrigation Initiative

BALE ZONE — The Oromia Region in Ethiopia has recorded a harvest of over 68.6 million quintals of wheat this summer, a result of its dedicated irrigation efforts aimed at boosting agricultural output and food security.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Head of the Oromia Agriculture Bureau, the Summer Irrigation Wheat Cultivation Initiative has covered more than 2.8 million hectares, with 68.6 million quintals of wheat already harvested from 1.9 million hectares. Gemchu visited Agarfa district, where he met with local farmers who have successfully implemented underground water irrigation techniques to cultivate wheat during the summer months. He underscored the regional government’s commitment to expanding water resource use to improve agricultural productivity.

During his field visits, Gemchu noted the government’s goal to reach a wheat production target of 105 million quintals by continuing to harvest across the region, considering the varying ecological conditions. Local farmer Hussain Ahmed from Agarfa district shared how the adoption of new water management practices, including the use of local water sources alongside rainwater, has dramatically increased wheat yields.

Seyoum Gossa, another farmer, explained that by learning and applying irrigation techniques, they have seen yields increase to up to 45 quintals per hectare. He attributed part of their success to the government’s support through long-term loans that have facilitated the expansion of essential infrastructure like water pumping engines.

This initiative is part of a broader national agricultural development strategy by the Ethiopian government focused on cultivating key crops such as wheat to achieve food self-sufficiency, reduce imports, and boost export trade.