ADDIS ABABA–Government officials have announced significant strides in modernizing Ethiopia’s coffee production to enhance quality, traceability, and efficiency.
In collaboration with partners, the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) has provided four coffee-growing states and 19 districts with essential modern tools, including electronic drilling equipment, pruning tools, and smartphones for geo-spatial data collection.
Takele Hailmariam, Coffee Development and Quality Director at the Oromia Agriculture Bureau, emphasized that the introduction of modern coffee cultivation equipment is crucial for improving production while addressing ongoing quality challenges. For years, Ethiopian coffee farmers have relied on traditional methods, which limited the sector’s potential to deliver maximum benefits. The new technologies will help solve these issues while saving time, labor, and money for farmers.
Takele noted that Oromia, responsible for producing 70% of Ethiopia’s coffee, remains in need of more modern tools to boost both productivity and output. Recent advancements have already shown results, with coffee yields increasing to nine quintals per hectare, up from 6.5 quintals in previous years.
Asrat Gebremariam, Head of South Ethiopia State Forest Environmental Protection and Climate Change Bureau, noted that coffee is a major contributor to the state’s GDP. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has also been supporting six coffee-growing districts in the state. The new tools provided by the ECTA are seen as vital for improving post-harvest management and minimizing wastage, while ensuring quality and traceability.
South Ethiopia, which produces high-quality coffee, covers 50% of the state’s forest area and complies with deforestation-free coffee standards of the European Union. With over 41 coffee-growing districts, the state is an essential part of Ethiopia’s coffee industry.
Last fiscal year, Ethiopia earned approximately 1.43 billion USD from coffee exports, and efforts are underway to further increase both production and revenue from this vital cash crop.
BY MESERET BEHAILU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 10 NOVEMBER 2024
