ADDIS ABABA – Ministry of Agriculture announced that concerted efforts are underway to garner the comparative advantages of nation’s horticulture potential, and make the country one of the leading export countries in the world,
Horticulture Development and Technology Transfer Directorate Senior Horticulture Expert at the Ministry, Atlaw Anbelu said that the incumbent has given due attention for the sector because of its potential and immense return to ensure food security, job opportunity and role in export market.
According to him, Ethiopia has an ideal climatic condition, fertile soil, abundant water resources, and strategic geographical location which could enable it enjoy the major market destinations in Europe and the Middle East countries.
However, the productivity, quality and overall gains from the sub-sector is minimal, he said.
Referring to sources, he said that agriculture contributes 45 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs directly or indirectly more than 80 percent of the population. In addition, he said mentioning as sources indicate that in 2014/15 alone, 75 percent of export earning of the country came from the agriculture sector.
Almost over 11 million hectares of land could possibly develop with irrigation technology out of which more than four million hectares of land is suitable for cultivating horticultural crops.
Out of it, however, only 2.5 million hectares of land is now covered with horticultural crops. Therefore, as to him, the multi sectoral nature of the industry requires close collaboration among the different sector players.
Previous attempts at fostering collaboration and partnerships among vital players in the industry through the national horticulture taskforces have made significant strides in improving coordination in the sub-sector.
Almost 95 percent of Ethiopia’s horticulture product is produced by smallholders and only five percent is produced by commercial farmers which are exported to Europe Middle East and Africa.
With an aim to reduce the challenges and strengthen the capacity of the sector in contributing a better share in to the economic and social environment of the country, Ministry of Agriculture has developed a 10-year National Horticulture Development and Marketing Strategy.
Professor Nigusse Dechasa, Vice President of Haramaya University and Horticulturist said that Ethiopia has great opportunity in boosting horticulture productivity as it is endowed with natural resources, huge population and has market proximity.
The University is working to produce quality seed for horticulture and supply to small holder farmers to grow carrot, potatoes, green peeper and similar produces. Furthermore, efforts should be exerted in addressing market linkage and ensuring reliable inputs supply. He added.
Ethiopian Horticultural Producer- Exporters Association (EHPEA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tewodros Zewdu said that the horticulture sector, which has a decade long practice with almost all certified producers in relation to environment impact and social responsibility, has created 100,000 jobs for citizens and enabled the country to earn about 300 million USD annually.
“If the sector gets more attention than now, it could generate huge amount of hard currency”. The Association is working with the Ministry of Agriculture in developing the strategy and efforts to address the over witnessed gaps in accessing land for investment and in puts challenges.
He called on the government to support the sector to avail land and improve the overall business climate.
The Ethiopian Herald, May 29/2019
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
