Agriculture, a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s economy, has long been a vital force across diverse cultures and traditions throughout history. In the vast expanse of the nation’s almost all parts, farming has assumed a paramount significance, both in meeting the population’s sustenance needs and as a pivotal source of income for its inhabitants. The path towards optimizing productivity and securing a competitive edge in this demanding market is not without its challenges despite the remarkable strides made in agricultural technology.
Cognizant of this fact, The Ethiopian Herald had a stay with Demissie Hika, an economist graduated from Hawassa University specializing in Agricultural economics, to have a sound opinion regarding the issue under discussion.
He said, “By prioritizing sustainability, people especially the farming community can contribute to the preservation and health of the soil on which they rely for a better production and productivity. This reduces the reliance on harmful fertilizers and conserves precious water resources. As a result, it would be possible to not only mitigate environmental impact, but also lay the foundation for long-term economic advantages. Sustainable farming practices, such as irrigation automation, play a crucial role in minimizing water waste. By optimizing irrigation systems and employing water-saving techniques, water efficiency can be maximized without compromising crop health.”
Yes, he added the advantages of sustainable farming extend beyond environmental considerations. By adopting well-planned and well-managed sustainable farming practices, the farming community or investors engaged in the sector can achieve lower production costs, enhance product quality, and increase overall crop yield. Not only does this holistic approach ensure the long-term prosperity of the farm but it also contributes to a more sustainable future for the farming sector in Ethiopia.
One of the potential culprits behind a lack of crop yield on the farmlands in the country could be compromised soil health and fertility. The good thing is there are effective methods farmers can employ to rejuvenate the soil. These approaches not only combat soil infections but also enhance overall soil structure, leading to improved productivity, he added.
As to him, practicing the right crop rotation is one advisable soil-recovery strategy. This technique safeguards the land against soil-borne diseases by preventing the build-up of pathogens and provides an apt environment for healthy root development and nutrient absorption. Implementing a well-designed crop rotation plan tailored to the farms’ texture and its needs can significantly enhance soil health and fertility.
Another effective method to consider is incorporating cover crops like legumes, winter wheat, and other related cereals as they are excellent choices used to nourish the soil and serve as protective barriers against erosion. These crops play a vital role in stabilizing nitrogen levels and increasing organic matter content. By integrating all these crops into the farming practices, it is possible to enhance soil fertility and structure, setting the stage for robust crop growth, he underscored.
He said, “Incorporating organic matter and introducing essential nutrients are key steps, too. By stimulating soil microbial activity, it is possible to enhance nutrient availability and reduce the reliance on chemical inputs. This sustainable approach would help improve soil health and promotes long-term ecological balance.
Responding to the question about the important factors for improving crop efficiencies towards a better production, Demissie said while these steps have proven themselves to be robust solutions, it is important to acknowledge the unique characteristics of each individual farm. Recognizing the distinct nature of the farms is the first step towards making improvements in production and productivity. By assessing and identifying potential obstacles within the farming operation, farmers or any concerned body can begin to strategically address and overcome them, paving the way for enhanced farming outcomes.
As to him, leveraging cutting-edge tools such as satellites and sensors can revolutionize farming practices, empowering farmers with accurate and real-time data. By harnessing these and other important technologies, farmers can closely monitor crop performance, assess soil conditions, and make informed decisions critical to their farm’s success. In so doing, it would be definitely possible to embrace sustainable farming practices with a view to recording long-lasting growth and prosperity.
According to Demissie, the integration of modern farm technologies brings numerous benefits. Firstly, it enables farmers to gain a comprehensive understanding of their crops’ growth patterns, allowing for precise interventions and targeted adjustments. Real-time data on soil moisture levels, nutrient content, and temperature variations can guide farmers towards optimized irrigation and fertilization strategies, thereby ensuring efficient resource utilization and reducing waste.
“By seamlessly integrating with precision agriculture technology, these systems can precisely determine the exact amount of water required by specific crops, delivering it at the optimal time. This level of precision helps prevent over or under-watering, minimizing water usage while maximizing crop health as well as harvest production and productivity,” Demissie said.
He further stated that in addition to harnessing state-of-the-art technologies, the significance of sustainability in modern farming cannot be overstated. Sustainable farming practices offer a myriad of benefits, not only for the farm but also for the environment at large. With increasing awareness of the positive impact it can have, adopting sustainable methods has become a priority for forward-thinking farmers. Moreover, the Ethiopian government tries to help address financial burden associated with implementing sustainable farming practices, making it even more accessible and beneficial.
He said, “The modern farming ecosystem needs to be well expanded and well utilized at any cost as it has transformed the traditional approach via introducing a series of sophisticated steps in the lifecycle of a crop. This journey from seed to harvest encompasses various stages that are integral to successful crop production.”
For a better production and productivity, before a seed is even planted, extensive research and development has to be taken place. This involves selecting crop varieties best suited to specific climates and soil types, as well as developing sustainable farming methods, he opined.
Unequivocally, soil preparation is crucial in the modern farming system. This involves testing the soil for nutrient content and pH levels and then amending it as needed. Techniques like cultivating or tilling are employed to prepare the land for sowing. The choice of sowing method (manual or mechanical) largely depends on the crop type and scale of the farm. Precision agriculture techniques are increasingly used to ensure optimal spacing and depth for the seeds, enhancing growth prospects, he underscored.
As to Demissie, efficient irrigation systems are also vital in the modern farming, especially in regional states with unpredictable rainfall. Alongside, appropriate fertilization ensures that crops receive essential nutrients for growth.
He further elucidated that integrated pest management strategies, including the use of bio-control agents and crop rotation, help manage pests and diseases with minimal ecological impact so as to boost production and productivity. This step is vital to safeguard crop yields and quality, too.
The timing of the harvest, as to Demissie, is critical and is often determined by monitoring crop maturity. Modern machinery facilitates efficient harvesting, especially for large-scale farms. Besides, post harvest handling is decisive. This includes cleaning, sorting, packaging, and storing the produce. Post-harvest handling is crucial for maintaining the quality of the crop until it reaches the consumer.
Each step is crucial and interdependent, forming a comprehensive approach to modern agriculture. From the initial research to the final harvest, every stage combines traditional knowledge with modern technology, ensuring that crops are grown efficiently and sustainably. Since there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution to the complex problems of the farming community’s diverse circumstances, a demand-driven approach needs to be well entertained.
He said, “As we move forward, understanding and appreciating the intricate process of crop production in the modern system is vital. It reminds us of the continuous evolution in agricultural practices and the importance of embracing innovative methods for a sustainable future in farming.”
He said seed varieties have to be carefully selected based on their adaptability and success in the producing states like Amhara, Oromia, and some others. Besides, meticulous attention to water usage is paramount for ensuring flourishing agricultural operations. Failure to implement effective water management strategies can lead to either insufficient or excessive irrigation, impeding the growth and yield of crops.
As to him, the journey to improve farming productivity doesn’t end with a successful crop yield and following the right procedure towards crop harvest. To fully capitalize on agricultural efforts, it is crucial to prioritize post-harvest infrastructure and ensure seamless access to valuable information. Post-harvest infrastructure holds immense importance in preserving the quality of your yield and minimizing losses.
In a nutshell, taking advantage of precision agriculture technologies, implementing sustainable farming contributes a lot to improving farming productivity in the country. By adopting precision agriculture technologies, implementing sustainable farming practices, enhancing soil health and fertility, investing in high-quality seed varieties, elevating water management strategies, and strengthening farm infrastructure, farmers pave the way for a thriving and prosperous agricultural venture. Embracing these strategies, tailor them to farm’s unique needs, and seize the opportunity to excel in the ever-evolving realm of farming. Agricultural training and extension programs appear to be having a positive impact on the value of crop production in fact.
BY MENGESHA AMARE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2024
