ADDIS ABABA – Minister of Agriculture said it is supporting private sector actors that are conducting research to fill the supply-demand gap in relation to improved seeds.
It is also noted that despite this initiative, the contribution of the private sector remains unsatisfactory.
Esayas Lemma, Crop Development Directorate Director at the ministry told The Ethiopian Herald that while 80 percent of Ethiopia’s population is agrarian, only 20 percent of them have access to improved seeds.
This shows a lack of commitment from the side of stakeholders in producing and making available improved seeds to farmers at the right time.
“The government is supporting private actors who are conducting research on improved seed,” he added. The ministry plans to improve farmers’ productivity at a lower cost.
The agricultural productivity has shown a six percent increment from the previous year, though it has not yet reached the desired level. Improved seeds play a key role in improving farming systems and productivity and easing nutrition challenges.
Investors, research centers and experts need to work closely with the Ministry to play their part in modernizing the agriculture sector and introducing mechanized agriculture to feed the rapidly growing population and support economic growth.
The Ethiopian Herald May 28, 2020
BY MULATU BELACHEW
