AFAMBO, AFAR – The Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) disclosed that the country will ensure wheat self-sufficiency by 2023.
EIAR announced yesterday that the country should become wheat self-sufficient over the next four years. Despite the large record of harvest, Ethiopia is still spending millions of Birr in the importation of wheat.
Population growth, continuous economic growth, and urbanization over the last decade have led to a rapid change in Ethiopian diets and the wheat sector cannot keep up with the growing demand for food in Ethiopian.
The Institute said it has set a target of becoming fully self-sufficient in wheat production over the next four years. Institute General Director Dr. Mandefro Nigussie, said several works have been started to ensure wheat self- sufficiency in wheat through irrigation, intensification, vertisol and acid soil treatment.
755,000 quintal is expected to be harvested from the current irrigated wheat covering a total area of 15,100 hectares of land. A total of 174 million Birr budget is allocated and 1.2 billion Birr is expected in return. This would enable the country to save more than 41 million birr, he added.
Team Leader at the Institute Daniel Dentamo also said currently, the Institute has launched an initiative to produce wheat in three lowland basins of the country. This initiative is being implemented in Awash, Wabeshebelle and Omo basins, locations where wheat production was not previously practiced.
In 2023, the country will ensure self-sufficiency and promote wheat processing and Soya oil production. In addition to wheat, the Institute gives due attention to boost the productivity of sugar as well. In order to boost productivity, better accesses to improved seeds and recommended inputs, as well as agronomic practices are needed, Daniel added.
The Ethiopian Herald, January 30/2020
BY HAILE DEMEKE
