ADDIS ABABA – The Agricultural Research Centers said that they have been emphasizing on improving coffee yielding and lucrative coffee business via entertaining disease-resistant coffee varietals.
Girma Tilahun (PhD), Deputy President at Mizan Tepi University Research and Community Services, told The Ethiopian Herald that their primary focus is on safeguarding the diverse coffee species found in the region. “We are committed to conducting extensive research to not only increase the value of coffee production but also ensure that our farmers can earn better incomes,” he stated.
In recent years, the coffee sector has faced significant challenges due to crop diseases and climate change. To address these issues, the research centers are collaborating with various stakeholders to find sustainable solutions, he said.
“We are closely working with stakeholders and utilizing research-based approaches to mitigate its impact and overcome challenges towards coffee production.”
For his part, Jimma Agricultural Research Center Director, Girma Hailemikeal (PhD), highlighted the remarkable progress has been made in developing high-performing coffee varieties. The center has researched and distributed 49 improved coffee seeds, 40 of which have been carefully selected, and the remaining nine are hybrids.
These improved coffee seeds are not only highly productive, but also disease-resistant. The old coffee seeds can yield up to 17 quintals per hectare, while the hybrid improved coffee seeds can reach up to 19 quintals per hectare, he noted, adding that the demand for these improved seeds is steadily growing.
Moreover, the center has been implemented innovative approaches to ensure the widespread adoption of these improved coffee seeds. “We have set up workshops in the districts where the selected coffee varieties are being planted in the farmers’ fields, and we provide close supervision to ensure proper care and management,” Girma explained.
Mizan Tepi University Research and Community Service is also working on diversifying the agricultural landscape by exploring the potential of other cash crops and livestock. Apart from coffee, we are also conducting research on livestock production, including Maji sheep and Sheko cattle, the Deputy President revealed. Also the effort is underway not only coffee, but it also soybeans, sorghum, and various animal feed crops.
BY FIKADU BELAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 20 JULY 2024
