Ethiopia Embarks on Ambitious Agricultural Expansion In a bid to bolster its agricultural sector, Ethiopia has set an ambitious target of cultivating over 20 million hectares during the current season, according to the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA). This initiative represents a significant increase in the country’s agricultural footprint, aimed at enhancing food security and economic growth. The government has identified several key areas for expansion, including cereal crops, oilseeds, pulses, and vegetables, which are crucial for meeting the nutritional needs of the country’s growing population. The Ministry of Agriculture is providing technical support and resources to farmers, including improved seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation systems, to maximize crop yields and increase productivity. “This expansion is essential to ensure our food security and alleviate poverty,” said Agriculture Minister Omar Hussein. “By increasing the area under cultivation, we can produce more food, reduce imports, and create employment opportunities in rural areas.” The initiative also aligns with Ethiopia’s broader economic agenda, which seeks to transform the country into a regional agricultural powerhouse. By producing surplus crops, Ethiopia aims to export agricultural products and generate foreign exchange, boosting its economy and improving its trade balance. The government is investing heavily in agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation projects, roads, and storage facilities, to support the expansion plan. Farmers are being encouraged to form cooperatives and adopt modern farming techniques to increase efficiency and sustainability. “The government is committed to creating a conducive environment for agricultural development,” Hussein added. “We believe that with the cooperation and hard work of our farmers, we can achieve our ambitious targets and build a prosperous agricultural sector for Ethiopia.” The current agricultural season is expected to run from July to October, and the success of the expansion plan will depend on favorable weather conditions and timely support to farmers. The outcome of this initiative will have a significant impact on Ethiopia’s food security, economic growth, and the well-being of its rural population.Ethiopia’s ‘Meher’ Season Cultivation ProgressEthiopia’s ‘Meher’ Season Cultivation Progress As of July 12, 2024, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture reports that nearly 7 million hectares have been cultivated with seeds as part of the 20.4 million hectares planned for cultivation during the current ‘Meher’ season. Group Farming and Land Coverage Of the total land covered with seeds, approximately 4.4 million hectares were cultivated through group farming. According to the Ministry’s Executive Director of Public Affairs and Communications, Kebede Lakew, a total of 15.7 million hectares are currently under cultivation, utilizing both traditional and modern agricultural systems. Crop Production Targets and Inputs The Ministry aims to harvest 616 million quintals of crops from the 7 million hectares planted with various types of crops, including teff, corn, sorghum, wheat, and barley. To support these efforts, training programs have been organized for farmers and development agents. The government is prioritizing the distribution of agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, as well as promoting the use of mechanization systems. Approximately 15 million quintals of fertilizers have been distributed to farmers thus far. Seed Supply and Support To address seed supply challenges, the Ministry has allowed regions to collaborate in providing improved seeds. Private and public seed multiplication institutions are also contributing to the supply. Wheat Production through Dry Season Irrigation During the recent dry season, a significant 107 million quintals of wheat were produced through irrigation schemes. Overall, the Ministry is emphasizing the provision of agricultural inputs, training, and support to farmers to ensure a successful ‘Meher’ season and contribute to Ethiopia’s food security goals.Ethiopia plans to cultivate more than 20 million hectares of land in the current agricultural season. This is an increase from the previous season, where 17.5 million hectares were cultivated. The government is hoping to boost agricultural production and ensure food security for the country’s growing population. The Ministry of Agriculture is providing farmers with seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs to support their efforts. The government is also working to improve irrigation systems and provide access to credit for farmers. The agricultural sector is a major contributor to the Ethiopian economy, accounting for about 42% of GDP. The sector provides employment for about 80% of the population. In recent years, Ethiopia has experienced a number of challenges in the agricultural sector, including drought, flooding, and pests. The government is working to address these challenges and ensure that the sector remains a major driver of economic growth.