ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – Agriculture Minister Girma Amente discussed with Japanese Ambassador to Ethiopia Hiro Shibata on ways to working in collaboration in the areas of agriculture.
The two sides mainly discussed cooperation in the development of rice, horticulture and coffee cultivation.
On the occasion, Minister Girma Amente explained the excellent results obtained in irrigated wheat cultivation mentioning the efforts being made to repeat this outstanding achievement in the cultivation of rice.
Girma revealed plan to cultivate irrigated rice on 3,000 hectares of land for the first time in Somali state.
Appreciating the Japanese government’s support in rice, horticulture and coffee development, he requested Japan to provide necessary support in efforts to expand irrigated rice development in Ethiopia.
Ambassador Hiro Shibata, on his part explained his government’s support for smallholder farmers in rice, horticulture and coffee cultivation through capacity building and resource provision.
The ambassador has assured that the Japanese government will continue to strengthen its support.
The Japan is supporting smallholder farmers in Oromia, Amhara, Sidama, Southern Ethiopia and Central Ethiopia states, it was indicated.
The support of partners is crucial in the efforts to ensuring the food security of the citizens, Ministry of Agriculture said.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 18 APRIL 2024
