Ethiopia’s economy has been predominantly dependent on the agricultural sector for centuries. The sector has been the source of employment for millions and it has been producing items that could be used for export trade. Coffee, tea and spice, oil seeds, hides and skins are among the top agriculture export items that helped the country to maintain foreign currency earnings.
However, since the agriculture sector has been implemented in a traditional and subsistence way, it has not been contributing as much as it is expected to contribute, taking the abundant fertile land, water, suitable climate and other fundamental factors into consideration. Fertilizer and special seed provision was noted among the challenges which have been lagging the sector behind.
Having understood this, the Ministry of Agriculture has finalized the procurement of 1. 4 million metric ton fertilizer and it would be provided for farmers across the country this rainy season, so far 7.2 million quintal has been distributed, according to State Minister of Agricultural Inputs and Output Marketing Sector, State Minister Aynalem Nigusie.
She adds that the ministry is working to minimize the effect of COVID-19 pandemic in the agriculture sector through allocating the necessary agricultural supplies.
Fertilizer, specialized seed, chemical and other basic agricultural inputs will be fully distributed till the month of June, the State Minister states.
Ethiopia has shown encouraging development in modernizing its agricultural sector. It has started mechanized and irrigation agriculture. Hence, 330,000 metric ton of fertilizer will be used for autumn season and for irrigation schemes.
Meanwhile, states are striving to provide agricultural inputs on time. Tigray state is distributing 329 quintal fertilizer currently and about 680 quintal is needed for this season, according to the state’s Agriculture and Rural Development Bureau.
Crop Development and Soil Fertility Directorate Director, Solomon Gebreslasie says 329 quintal fertilizer is being distributed to farmers at an affordable price and the remaining amount would be fully allocated at the end of this month.
As the state has degraded and barren land, supporting farmers with fertilizers and specialized seeds would enhance produce and productivity. Besides, the state government has been mobilizing the public to rehabilitate the highly denuded land through water and soil conservation, reforestation and other mechanisms.
‘’Tigray has been facing environmental degradation challenges since the end of 19th century. However, incredible natural restoration works were accomplished over the last 40 years. Reforestation, water and soil conservation has brought far-fetched results which entitled the state global recognition for its success in environmental rehabilitation,’’ he recounts, adding: ‘’beyond undertaking water and soil conservation works, supplying modern agricultural materials was among the priorities of the government. Fertilizer and specialized seed are being distributed.’’
Hence, Tigray state has planned to dispense 16,000 quintal specialized seed for this season and 10,000 quintal has been sold directly to farmers so far.
The director says 1.3 million hectare land will be covered with various crops this farming season and necessary logistics are being set to be supplied.
There is huge improvement in agricultural produce and productivity in those households who use fertilizers and specialized seeds. Nowadays, farmers are harvesting eight quintal from one hectare which is a massive increment compared with those who produce one to three quintal per hectare without fertilizer.
Generally, federal and state governments are endeavoring to supply fertilizer, specialized crop, pesticides and other basic equipment for this rainy season. This is being undertaken amid combating COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition 7 / 2020
BY TSEGAY HAGOS
