Ethiopia has a diverse fertile soil, stands as a beacon of potential in agricultural production, particularly in cotton cultivation. It’s a good opportunity for economic transformation and sustainable development.
According to some studies, over three million hectares of land is deemed suitable for the crop across the country. However, despite this vast potential, the actual area under cotton cultivation has stagnated at around 100,000 hectares, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. This discrepancy highlights a critical gap between capability and realization, raising questions about the future of cotton as a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s agricultural and industrial landscape.
Traditionally, cotton has been recognized as a vital agricultural product integral to Ethiopia’s transition towards an industrial led economy. Yet, the sector has failed to achieve significant productivity levels. Various factors contribute to this stagnation, foremost among them being the lack of governmental focus and financial investment in cotton farming. Previous administrations have often overlooked the sector, depriving it of the resources necessary for growth and innovation.
Moreover, cotton farming is labor-intensive, and the current workforce is insufficient to meet the demands of this sector. The disconnection between cotton production and industrial needs further complicates matters. Despite the capacity to produce cotton locally, Ethiopia continues to rely on imports, draining foreign exchange reserves and limiting local industry’s growth.
Shimeles Alemayehu, Director of Worer Agricultural Research at the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute, stated that while Ethiopia has the potential for large-scale cotton farming, efforts to harness this capability have been minimal. The peak achievement was in 2003 when cotton was cultivated on 110,000 hectares, yet a mere 11% of that output was utilized.
In recent years, land utilization has dwindled to just 54,000 hectares, representing a mere 4% of the nation’s potential.
Samson Assefa, CEO of Cotton Production Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized that Ethiopia boasts significant potential for irrigation, particularly in regions such as Gambela, Benishangul, Somali, Afar, Amhara (Western Gondar), and Oromia.
The cotton irrigation is crucial for both small and large farms. Each year, approximately 2,000 farmers engage in irrigation projects, and between 30,000 to 50,000 hectares of land are expected to be irrigated annually, he said.
However, despite these efforts, the number of beneficiaries remains low. In contrast, countries like China, Brazil, and the United States have millions of farmers benefiting from similar developments, generating over five billion dollars annually from cotton production alone, he mentioned. The disparity highlights Ethiopia’s missed opportunities in maximizing agricultural output and economic growth.
One of the most significant hurdles to cotton cultivation in Ethiopia is the inadequate attention and resources allocated for research and development. Low investment in these areas directly impacts the quality and productivity of cotton, Shimeles noted.
Furthermore, cotton farming requires substantial investment, making it less appealing to potential investors compared to other crops. The sector is also plagued by the threat of pests, with 68 types known to affect cotton yields significantly.
The effect of various types of pests can reduce production of Cotton by up to 65%, necessitating extensive chemical treatments. However, the costs associated with pest control deter many farmers from purchasing necessary chemicals, compounding the challenges faced by the industry, he said. The fluctuating price of cotton further complicates the situation.
Recent reports indicated that the price of a quintal of cotton has dropped by up to 2,000 birr, primarily due to labor shortages and rising costs of chemicals. These economic pressures discourage farmers from investing in cotton production, leading to a vicious cycle of underutilization.
On other hands, cotton production is vulnerable to the changing climate, which manifests through increased temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and the frequency of extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. These climatic shifts threaten not only crop yields and livestock productivity but also the livelihoods of millions of farmers who depend on agriculture as their primary source of income.
The interplay between climate variability and socio-economic factors complicates the situation, leading to increased food insecurity and economic instability.
Addressing these issues is crucial not only for enhancing cotton production but also for improving the livelihoods of millions of Ethiopians who rely on agriculture as their primary source of income.
In this regqrd, the country has been active working to reduce the climate change impacts through various initiatives. Among these initiatives, under the Green Legacy initiative, the country was planting around over 40 billion seedlings in the past five years.
Despite these challenges, there have been strides in research and development aimed at enhancing cotton productivity. The agricultural research center has developed 43 improved cotton varieties, including two specifically designed to resist pest. However, the center faces challenges in ensuring that these innovations reach the farmers effectively, shimels said.
He further stated that currently, the center’s mandate is to provide technological support rather than to act as a commercial seed supplier. Yet, insufficient budgetary support and limited external assistance hinder its ability to fulfill this role effectively. The need for a self-sustaining entity to produce seeds and support farmers is more pressing than ever.
Additionally, the Ethiopian government is increasingly aware of the need for a strategic focus on cotton cultivation. For the past two years, there have been calls to place seed development under the Ministry of Agriculture, with a committee led by the Prime Minister’s Office actively working to promote the sector, Samson said.
Officials believe that addressing challenges related to finance, human resources, and market relations is crucial for revitalizing cotton cultivation, he noted.
The Ministry of Agriculture is developing strategies to enhance agricultural productivity, aiming to improve the capacity for production while addressing critical issues within the sector. By fostering strong collaboration between regions and relevant institutions, the government aims to ensure a competitive supply of agricultural products in terms of quality, quantity, and price.
At this time, the domestic agricultural production process is inadequate for meeting the needs of local industries, leading to a continued reliance on imports. The Ministry is committed to improving agricultural productivity by providing improved varieties and technologies through partnership with research institutions. This initiative aims not only to enhance cotton production but also to diversify agricultural outputs.
In addition, regions play a pivotal role in the national effort to boost cotton productivity and strengthen industry connections. There is an intensive effort to improve marketing systems, input availability, and financing mechanisms, along with enhancing human resources in the sector. The government recognizes that job creation across the agricultural value chain is essential not only for meeting domestic demand but also for increasing exports.
Currently, 15,000 farmers in the West Gondar zone of the Amhara State are producing cotton to supply the Genda Wuha Ginnery. This cotton factory serves as a template for similar operations across other textile factories, promoting sustainable practices and addressing concerns related to cotton supply.
As the country strives for economic transformation, cotton cultivation could serve as a vital component of agricultural and industrial growth, contributing significantly to poverty alleviation efforts and enhancing the livelihoods of millions of Ethiopians. The time for action is now as a collective effort is needed to turn Ethiopia’s cotton dreams into reality.
BY FIKADU BELAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2024
