ADDIS ABABA – The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) announced that it is streamlining systems in a bid to advance the country’s cotton contract farming.
Ministry’s Cotton Development Executive Officer Samson Assefa told the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) that Ethiopia is among the countries that have favorable agro ecology for cotton production notably in Gambella, Benishangul-Gumuz, Somali, Afar, Amhara and Oromia states among other rich areas.
He also noted that the ministry is currently undertaking a range of activities to stimulate the sector by fostering direct linkages with the industry and bearing a profound achievement from the country’s immense potentials.
Samson added that the conducted research findings revealed that the nation has about 3 million hectares of land which would be cultivated both in rain-fed and irrigation schemes.
“To date, the cultivated amount is at its infant stage which is not exceeding 1,000 hectares,” he added.
Citing the limited number of engaging investors in the sector, the officer indicated that an average of 30 to 50 smallholder farmers are taking part in the sector on annual basis.
Mentioning the developing trends of the sector, Samson said that it enabled China, Brazil and USA to earn a large chunk of money annually, and create decent jobs for millions of citizens.
“Indeed, the ministry is exerting its utmost efforts to fully leverage the country’s endowments which in turn expediting its economic transformation,” he underscored.
Aside from expanding productivity, quality and competitive price, he emphasized the need to work collaboratively and fostering linkages between the industry and regions.
He also elaborated that the country is still investing a huge amount of money for cotton importation to outreach the local manufacturing industries.
Moreover, Samson said his organization, in collaboration with various institutions, is striving to supply improved seeds, chemicals and technologies to boost productivity.
“The ministry is amplifying efforts to address challenges like irregularities in the market value chain that impact the sector’s growth, job creation and the overall seamless progress of the contract agricultural expansion contributing for land coverage.”
Ranges of activities are being carried out to create a playground for the existing and potential farming communities and investors to enhance production capacities to promote import substitution and export trade, he remarked.
Urging regional stakeholders to play their due role on going national interventions towards enhancing the yielding capacity, he emphasized the remaining homework that need special heed while capacitating the trading systems, input and financial provisions.
BY ASHENAFI ANIMUT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER 2024
