The Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI) founded in 1976, is the oldest and largest seed bank of its kind in sub-Saharan africa. Currently, the Gene Bank conserves 81,805 accessions of 576 plant species.
Furthermore, a total of 1674 accessions of spices; fenugreek, pepper, coriander, black cumin, white cumin, basil, among others are conserved well in the Gene Bank.
Crop and Horticultural Plants Biodiversity Directorate Director Tamene Yohannes (PhD) told The Ethiopian Herald that the Institute is contributing its part in the sustainable restoration of major crop and horticulture species. Having diversified geographical topography, favorable climate and soil type enables the country to entertain variety of indigenous plant species thereby improves its agricultural productivity.
Thus, benefitting from these major opportunities, the country conserved numerous amount of crop and horticulture biodiversity in the past. The conservation enhances the country’s potential to be one of the leading centers of origins of variety crops and horticulture biodiversity in the world, he noted.
As to him, the country’s Gene Bank and other supportive field gene banks established in different parts of the country help to maintain indigenous crop and other plant species for longer period of time. Currently, coffee, spices and root and tuber crops are being conserved in the field gene banks.
As Ethiopia is a center of origin and diversity of coffee Arabica, it is believed that it provides notable gifts and contribution to the rest of the world. This wide genetic base has provided several resources of global significance from which improved varieties with higher productivity, quality, disease and pest resistance have been developed. Thus, collection and conservation of this valuable genetic resource is critical for future development and sustainable use of the crop, the Director added.
The Institute started conservation of coffee genetic resources three decades ago by establishing its first field gene bank in Choche Kebele, situated in Jimma Zone of Oromia State. Currently, a total of 5,552 coffee genetic resources is collected from different parts of the country and conserved in different field gene banks.
The country is also suitable for growing different root and tuber crops. Especially, in the Southern and South Western parts of the country these crops contribute significantly for the food security of the people. The commonly grown root and tuber crops which include Enset, Irish potato, sweet potato, taro, Tania, cassava, yams, are endemic to the country and often cultivated in home gardens. Currently, a total of 766 root and tuber crops are conserved in field gene banks. Presently, a total of 766 root and tuber crops are conserved in field gene banks, he reiterated.
On the other hand, spices are also the major export items that have been generating foreign exchange to the country. The crops are often grown in small plots of land and used for home consumption. However, some spices such as black cumin, white cumin, hot pepper and fenugreek are cultivated in large plot of land and served as major sources of income for growers. Currently, 355 accessions of indigenous and exotic spice crops are conserved well in the field gene bank, he further elaborated.
“The Institute undertakes continuous research and follows ups to identify the status of plants and crops throughout the country. Particularly, giving due emphasis to highly endangered, indigenous and high economic value crop and horticulture species, it makes the necessary care while conducting conservation activities.”
The Institute administers five horticulture field gene banks located up on geographic area divisions and horticulture specialty area that are assisting to enhance horticulture conservation countrywide, he added.
As to him, indigenous crops and horticulture were severely damaged due to natural [drought, pest and climate change] and manmade [population growth and lack of awareness] in the past. But, now following successive endeavors of the Institute and other stakeholders the country has suitably maintaining its endemic crop and horticulture species.
The Institute, along with stakeholders, is doing its level best regarding to conservation of these national indigenous food security assets. Prioritizing indigenous seeds in conservation and distribution of improved seeds to the farmers by the Ministry of Agriculture give an impetus to save indigenous crops from extinction, he explained.
“Regarding with collection and conservation works, the Institute gene bank is one of the leading Gene banks in Africa and has accomplished a tremendous work in exploration, collection, and conservation of plant genetic resources.”
About 167,489 accessions of plants had been distributed from the country’s gene bank collections to different research and educational institutions in Ethiopia as well as worldwide.
Experts in the area emphasize the need for promoting awareness on the necessity of endemic and high economic value crop and horticultural plant seeds conservation and development. Inheriting the most important crop and horticulture species to the future generations still requires the coordinated efforts of the Institute and pertinent stakeholders. The country is also expected to utilize the full potential of the agricultural sector from its biodiversity.
Thus, gaining more from its Africa’s leading Gene Bank (cold room) is the next assignment in which restoring ancient and indigenous crop and horticulture species sought to make the country to be competitive with tasty and brand agricultural produces.
The Ethiopian Herald April 3, 2019
BY TEWODROS KASSA
