ADDIS ABABA– Over 285 million seedlings have been prepared for the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) 2024 program, as disclosed by Sidama State’s Agriculture and Natural Resource Bureau.
The Bureau’s Head, Memeru Moke, told the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) that the state has readied approximately 285 million seedlings out of the planned 300 million saplings. He emphasized that food self-sufficiency and a climate-resilient economy can be ensured through the proper implementation of forest development activities and the Green Legacy Initiative.
Mentioning the state’s progress, Memeru indicated that Sidama has planted over 850 million seedlings since the initiative’s inception, with an 85% success rate. The state’s capacity for preparing seedlings has increased from 57 million to 300 million. “However, due to the emphasis on quality in the 2024 program, the state plans to plant 300 million seedlings.”
The head further stated that the GLI 2024 also prioritizes planting seedlings that contribute to food self-sufficiency. Of the 300 million seedlings set to be planted, 285 million are already prepared, and around 22 million saplings have already been planted.
Preparations for the plantation have been finalized, with about 11,000 hectares of drilled land ready. Several activities aimed at benefiting farmers through the duplication of fruit seeds and planting improved seeds are underway. Last year, over five million avocado seeds were planted, and 3.7 million avocado seedlings are prepared for planting this year.
The state expects to plant around 300 million seedlings in this year’s Green Legacy Initiative, Memeru concluded.
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 3 JULY 2024
