ADDIS ABABA– The Amhara State Agriculture Bureau has announced that 149,000 hectares of land are being cultivated with rice this Meher production season.
The Bureau Deputy Head Kalkidan Shifraw told the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) that the state has dedicated 149,000 hectares to rice production during this Meher season, which is a key period for crop production and productivity in Ethiopia.
According to Kalkidan, the rice cultivation spans five zones across Amhara State, and this year has seen an additional 67,000 hectares dedicated to rice compared to the same period last year. “Rice production is showing progress alongside the cultivation of regular crops,” he added.
The bureau plans to implement a targeted approach to areas with potential for rice production that have not yet been utilized.
He also stated that around 169 million quintals of various crops are expected to be harvested from five million hectares cultivated in the Amhara State during this Meher season. The state has achieved over 97% of its crop cultivation target so far.
“The distribution of rain has been favorable for agriculture, enabling successful land preparation and timely seed planting,” Kalkidan noted. “Crops are being cultivated on schedule, and agricultural activities are progressing well across all areas of the state.”
Beyond ensuring food security, the agricultural output is also intended for processing industries and the export market. The state is focusing on crops for export, such as Mung beans (Masho), sesame, and soybeans, with particular attention to grains.
The bureau is actively working to combat pests and weeds to ensure a successful harvest.
BY MESERET BEHAILU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2024
