-Surpassing 3bln USD
ADDIS ABABA – The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) has announced that Ethiopia’s agricultural export revenue has reached a historic high, exceeding three billion USD over the past ten months.
During a briefing to members of parliament, Agriculture Minister Girma Amentie (PhD) revealed that coffee remains the top export commodity, with over 400,000 quintals exported, generating more than two billion USD in foreign exchange earnings.
The remaining revenue was secured from horticulture and floriculture, livestock and dairy products, and spices, he added.
The Minister noted that the government is intensifying efforts to boost production and ensure sustainable agricultural development. More than 12 million quintals of fertilizer have been distributed across states , reaching farmers in preparation for the upcoming planting season.
In response to pest and disease threats, aerial spraying operations are underway using aircraft to combat invasive pests and plant diseases.
In addition to traditional farming, the ministry is advancing agroforestry initiatives. So far, over seven billion seedlings have been cultivated, with 500 million already planted, including around 3.5 million fruit-bearing trees aimed at enhancing food security and income generation.
Solomon Lale, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Agriculture Affairs at the House of People’s Representatives, commended the export achievement but stressed the need to address logistical, electrical, and governance challenges to maintain momentum and build long-term resilience.
For the upcoming rainy season, approximately 31 million hectares are ready for cultivation, with seven million hectares newly added to Ethiopia’s agricultural landscape.
The Chairpreson emphasized that such initiatives must continue to expand to ensure sustained growth, improved productivity, and a stronger position in global agricultural markets.
BY YESUF ENDRIS
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 10 JUNE 2025
