In terms of agricultural development, the HGER focused on reducing heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture through the development of small- and large-scale irrigation networks across the country, agricultural mechanization, enabling higher productivity on smallholder farms, animal husbandry and fodder development, and expansion of horticulture farms.
In terms of structural transformation in the agriculture sector, four areas of focus, including cluster farming, agricultural mechanization, and sustainable agriculture, were identified and implemented over the last nine months. The achievements registered over nine months were hitherto unknown in the history of the country.
Over the last nine months of the fiscal year, eight major economic measures were taken, which among others, included the improvement of private sector investment in agriculture. This included the development of horticulture farms and large-scale commercial agriculture. Moreover, expansion of small- and large-scale agriculture was promoted in various parts of the Oromia, Somali, Amhara, and Afar regions. For instance, recently the Oromia Regional Government handed over 1,400 modern tractors to be distributed among individuals and agricultural cooperative unions in the region, expecting to markedly boost agricultural production in the region.
The agricultural reform program followed a strategy that focused on eight areas of national development activities, including improving the role of the private sector through investments in major agriculture program, expanding small- and large-scale irrigation, which would enable farmers to successfully produce various types of crops and vegetables throughout the year. Improving the supply of inputs and finance, enhancing livestock productivity by improved fodder, artificial insemination and related technical innovations, protecting, improving agriculture production methods, reducing post-harvest loss by distributing modern silos and pesticides, promoting research based food security initiatives and promotion of input sustainability. Reporting on the nine month and 100- day performance in the agriculture sector based on the HGER, Girma Amante (Dr.), Minister of Agriculture, disclosed that agriculture was expected to show 6.1% growth, and he noted that the target will successfully be met over the fiscal year. He specifically mentioned the growth and expansion of cultivated land during the meher season, belg and expansion of livestock development and irrigation.
The Minister stated that during the meher season, 20.5 million hectares of land were covered with seeds, and an average harvest of 610 million quintals is expected on harvest. He added that through irrigation, it was planned to develop five million hectares of land, but he noted that already only wheat cultivation has covered 3.5 million hectares of land.
He added that 90 million chicks, one day old, were produced and distributed to farmers and those involved in the sector as an input to poultry development. The Ministry of Agriculture has announced that Ethiopia produced 215,000 tons of honey in the first nine months of the current fiscal year, surpassing its initial target of 210,000 tons.
He added that promising results were registered in the production of milk, fish and honey. He added that 1.5 million USD was earned from the export of coffee on international markets. In terms of employment, out of the total new job opportunities created in nine months, 1.2 million were engaged in agriculture.
State Minister of Agriculture Fikru Regasa (PhD) attributed the achievement to the successful implementation of the national beekeeping program, noting that the sector has seen significant growth in both quantity and quality.
Ethiopia’s dairy industry has experienced remarkable growth, with milk production nearly doubling to 12 billion liters in just three years, thanks to the “Bounty of the Basket” (Yelemat Tirufat) initiative.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, this surge reflects the country’s commitment to enhancing food security, uplifting smallholder farmers, and increasing agricultural output.
The initiative has also driven an eightfold increase in crossbred cattle, a key factor behind the sector’s transformation.
Ethiopia’s annual fish production from its water bodies based on 14 major rivers, 25 major lakes, and 14 major reservoirs is estimated to be around 94,500 tons with further development.
Another new area of innovation introduced by the Ministry of Agriculture was a strategy document entitled Roadmap for Digital Agriculture.
Digital Agriculture refers to the use of digital technologies, data, and innovative tools to enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability, and efficiency. It involves integrating advanced technologies into farming practices to improve decision-making, resource management, and overall food production. Major technologies applicable in DA among other things include:
The use of GPS, sensors, and data analytics to optimize planting, irrigation, and fertilization was put in place. Big Data & AI—Analyzes vast amounts of agricultural data to predict weather patterns, crop diseases, and market trends. Drones & Satellite Imaging—Monitors crops, assesses soil health, and detects pests and diseases. IoT (Internet of Things) in Agriculture— Smart devices collect real-time data on soil moisture, temperature, and plant health. Blockchain for Supply Chain Transparency—Ensures traceability of food products and fair transactions. Mobile Applications & Digital Platforms— Provide farmers with access to market prices, weather updates, and best farming practices.
Major benefits of Digital Agriculture include, increased crop yields: Optimizes resource use and minimizes waste. Digital Agriculture reduces Environmental Impact: Encourages sustainable practices like water conservation and reduced pesticide use. It improves Market Access: Connects farmers directly with buyers, reducing reliance on middlemen. It enhances food security and helps ensure stable food production amid climate change challenges. Digital Agriculture boosts farmer income: reduces losses, improves efficiency, and opens up financial opportunities.
Ethiopia is increasingly adopting digital agriculture through initiatives like:
The Digital Agriculture Strategy (2020- 2030) – Aims to integrate technology into farming. Promotion of Agri-tech Startups – Mobile apps like “Lersha” provide farmers with weather forecasts and advisory services, smart irrigation Systems – help optimize water usage in drought-prone areas.
Key contributions of Digital Agriculture to Market-Based Farming include improved market access & price transparency, would include services in Digital Marketplaces: Platforms like e-commerce apps, SMS-based trading systems, and block-chain-driven supply chains connect farmers directly with buyers, bypassing middlemen, Real-time Price Updates: Mobile-based services provide farmers with current market prices, helping them make informed selling decisions.
AI-powered tools analyze consumer trends, allowing farmers to grow crops that are in high demand. It also enhances supply chain efficiency and reduction of post-harvest loses.
The writer intends to make some analysis on the facts and figures pertaining to the achievements registered in the national economy of Ethiopia over the last nine months.
The above-mentioned achievements were registered against the backdrop of multiple socio-economic and political conspiracies the country has continued to face for the last seven years. The armed extremists who were operating in the Amhara and Oromia regions obstructed the smooth supply of agricultural inputs for farmers in the regions, and at times delivery was conducted by using convoys from the ENDF. Besides, farmers were prevented from transporting and selling their produce at the local market and buy things they needed for their families.
In addition, various sabotages in global cyber-attack on the country which were intended to disrupt the digital networks in the country were a threat to the nation but were effectively repulsed by INSA.
It must be noted that the achievements were registered due to the fact that all concerned economic sectors acted together in operational networks. The transport and logistics sector closely worked with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure a viable supply chain to allow farmers to engage in seasonal agricultural activities.
Ethiopia still continues to import large amount of cotton for textile and apparel factories in and outside of industrial parks. Given a favorable climatic conditions for the expansion and production of quality cotton, the author believes that cotton to be produced in the country could replace imported ones in much the same manner that wheat exports have now been substituted through local large expanse of production.
The relatively better weather condition in extra producing and other areas of the country over the last nine months have contributed to the increase in agriculture production. In addition and this is expected to continue in the remaining months of the fiscal year.
The growth in agriculture production and productivity is also attributed to the proper link between the supply chain, the manufacturing sector and viable logistics network that effectively supported the sector.
The overall performance over the last nine months clearly indicates that the macroeconomic policy the country is pursuing and the fiscal policies are in line with the HGEP and other pertinent sub-policies that have been designed to ensure the socio-economic development of the country.
Going forward, it is recommended that agricultural production needs to be further diversified with improved quality and export standard so that the sector could play a major role in export diversification for generating a much higher amount of forex for the country.
Despite the fact that production and productivity have improved across the country, inflation in the form of galloping prices of foodstuffs has become a major challenge for consumers, particularly in the urban centers of the country. Although the government has introduced regular and Sunday markets by organizing cooperatives in the retail trade, the problem is still persisting.
In terms of import substitution, efforts are underway to substitute the import of rice with local production, which may be accelerated as a cost recovery and self-reliance in agricultural products. Small-and large-scale irrigation schemes may be developed to ensure that sustainable agriculture is achieved over time.
Moreover, agricultural research centers in the country need to develop various kinds of crops that can be cultivated in a variety of ecosystems in the country. Besides, introduction and development of appropriate technologies that can boost agriculture will help to further enhance sustained food security for the growing population in the country.
Editor’s Note: The views entertained in this article do not necessarily reflect the stance of The Ethiopian Herald
BY SOLOMON DIBABA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 22 APRIL 2025
