ADDIS ABABA – The country has generated over 214 million USD exporting horticultural products in the past five months, Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) announced.
MoA Horticulture Development Lead Executive, Abdela Negash told The Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) that his institution secured over 214,741,000 USD from more than 122,611 tons of horticultural products export during the past five months of this fiscal year.
As to him, the revenue was obtained by exporting cut flowers, vegetables and fruits, roots and aromatic products to various countries.
He stated that cut flower takes the lion’s share of the revenue with more than 184,777,000 USD followed by vegetables, fruits and aromatic (herbal) products that shared over 15.54, 7.225 and 7.18 million USD respectively.
This year’s export volume has been increased by 7.8 % though it has seen a 33% revenue decrement, he noted.
He further stated that United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Netherlands, United Kingdom, among others are the main destinations of Ethiopian horticultural products.
The recently held Dubai and Qatar Expos have made a significant contribution in expanding market access and promoting products, Abdela noted.
“The ministry has been working hard through establishing the 10 year development plan so as to support the horticulture sector. Following this, different products including avocados are being exported. Similarly, works like multiplying seeds, cluster farming, and maximizing inputs have been carrying out to boost horticultural product and productivity,” he mentioned.
Abdela further noted that the horticulture sector reduces foreign currency crunch, creates jobs, ensures food sufficiency, and increases market linkage.
However, he said, the country has not been gaining adequate benefit from the sector due to poor attention, political instability, absence adequate and quality product, lack of storage and transportation. Therefore, he emphasized that the newly Agriculture policy which is under preparation should incorporate mechanisms to curb the challenges aiming at bringing significant change in the sector.
BY MESEERET BEHAILU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 30 DECEMBER 2023
