ADDIS ABABA – Ministry of Innovation and Technology said that innovational activities undertaken in the agriculture sector apart from lessening the burden of farmers and improving work efficiency, enhance the level of mechanization.
Minister Dr. Engineer Getahun Mekuria said that research, development and innovation are critical towards the development of the local economy and to industrial development.
The Minister, mentioning a two wheel tractor designed and manufactured by Ethiopians, he said that the innovation in this regard gives a huge impetus to improve efficiency and increase agricultural productivity and facilitate the development of the sector. “Above all, it is a showcase as we can solve national problem by local action.”
As to him,
though a lot of tractors had been imported to minimize the load of the farmers
and augment efficiency, their importance is not as planned due to machines
inconformity with country’s topography
Unlike the previous tractors this one is designed and manufactured by taking into consideration the farming lands of the country and it is easy for transportation, he remarked.
All parts of the tractor except the motor is produced locally, getting spare parts and the issue of maintenance would not be a demanding task.
As to him, in addition to plowing being a domestic product enables to attach other parts so as to use for additional agricultural services like for land preparation, land leveling and pumping water.
“In earlier years, as we have not done a lot to make the farmers the beneficiary of the technology, we have to take a lot of measurements to change this condition.”
While talking about the affordability of the tractor, the Minister said that its price is very cheap and is lower than the price of two oxen.
He further noted that to make it accessible to the farmers and assist them to employ this new technology the Ministry will work in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resource Management.
Tamirat Yohannes Senior Expert of Mechanization in the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resource Management on his part said that as the horse power of this tractor is high, it is convenient to operate on sloppy land – escape.
The tractor can be utilized in all seasons and all all-terrains- stony, rocky, or sloppy areas of the country, he elaborated.
According to him, the machinery by mechanizing countries work of agriculture, it would simplify the arduous and time consuming tasks of farmers.
He underscored that the Ministry will undertake awareness creation and promotion activities to enable the farmers utilize the technology.
Herald April 24/2019
BY TAMERU REGASA
