Farmers Speak of Huge Benefits from Irrigated Wheat and Avocado Production

Addis Ababa May 4/2023(ENA) Farmers said that they are benefiting from summer irrigated wheat and avocado production. 

Boosting wheat production is a strategy of the government as the cereal crop has several food uses that can be prepared in modern or culturally processed techniques.

 In this regard, the federal government has embarked on initiative to develop irrigation-based wheat across the nation to change the existing dependence of the country on rain-fed production of cereals.

 Since then, extensive summer irrigation wheat activities have been undertaken across the nation with a view to substituting imported wheat and ensuring food self-sufficiency as well as ensuring benefits of farmers.

 One of the farmers engaged in summer irrigated wheat farming, Alemayheu Arega, said the farmers in Adaa Woreda of Oromia, Region were not enthusiastic about the initiative.

 

However, they gradually embraced the initiative with the support of the government which provided select seeds, pumps, and other material support.

 “I used to harvest about 50 quintals from 3 hectares before the initiation of the wheat project.  Last Ethiopian harvest year, however, I obtained 135 quintals from same land size. It was really very successful and changed our lives,” Alemayehu stated.  

The farmer revealed that he has now bought a vehicle; and encourages other farmers to engage effectively in the initiative and improve their livelihood.

As part of the overall commitment to boost agricultural output and ensure food security, Alemayehu said that the farmers in the woreda will play their part to increase production and productivity.

 The other farmer, Ayalew Biru, is engaged in avocado cultivation in Lome Woreda of same region.

 

He started avocado production with 100,000 Birr capital four years ago. “Now I have built a big hotel and a cattle fatting farm.”

Ayalew has continued exporting avocado to the international market and plans to expand the achievements registered in the avocado production to manufacturing and other agricultural activities.

“I am working day and night to diversify my engagement in various sector,” he elaborated. 

The farmer has currently created 200 jobs.

Delegations comprising ministers and officials from Zambia, Niger, Tanzania, and Cote d'Ivoire visited the agricultural development activities in Ethiopia over the weekend.

The visit was aimed at sharing the best practices and experiences of Ethiopia in transforming agriculture, particularly wheat, avocado, and coffee.