ADDIS ABABA –The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) has highlighted the crucial role of the animal husbandry expo and congress in bolstering animal production across key livestock sectors, contributing to food security, nutrition, and economic resilience.
MoA State Minister Fikru Regassa (PhD) noted this while officially opening the 13th Ethio Poultry Expo (ETHIOPEX), the 9th Africa Livestock Exhibition and Congress (ALEC), and the 4th Apiculture and Aquaculture Ethiopia Trade Show at the Millennium Hall yesterday. This year’s theme, “Livestock Now and the Future: Current Opportunities and Challenges and the Way Forward,” aligns with Ethiopia’s “YelematTurufat” initiative, aimed at boosting milk yields and enhancing agricultural productivity.
Fikru highlighted the importance of engaging stakeholders, private sectors, and development actors to meet the rising demand for animal-based foods, noting that livestock and fish production are central to Ethiopia’s economy. “Ethiopia remains committed to advancing the livestock and aquaculture sectors, which directly support our national mission to increase food production and create lasting value for rural communities,” he stated.
The state minister further emphasized a holistic approach, advocating for shared responsibility in areas such as input supply, technology for modern farming practices, storage, cold-chain facilities, and market development to enhance the value of livestock products.
Ethiopian Livestock Development Institute Director-General AsratTera (PhD) added that the event showcases state-of-the-art technologies, inputs, and solutions to boost livestock production by promoting investment, facilitating market linkages, and strengthening business-to-business relationships. “Ethiopia has vast livestock diversity and potential, yet several constraints-such as limited genetics, feed systems, health services, and market access-hinder sector growth,” he noted, highlighting the institute’s commitment to environmentally sustainable breeding and market competitiveness.
Prana Events Managing Director Nebeyu Lemma praised the event’s impact on subsectors like poultry, dairy, meat, fish, and honey. He indicated that the expo fosters market cooperation, technology transfer, and professional growth within the livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and apiculture sectors. “These gatherings serve as a major platform for industry experts to exchange ideas, overcome common challenges, and establish partnerships that will drive future productivity,” he added.
The event stands as a vital networking hub for animal husbandry professionals, propelling Ethiopia’s livestock sector forward while reinforcing its contributions to national food security and economic resilience.
BY ASHENAFI ANMUIT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2024
