Ethiopia Aims for 63 Million Quintals of Bountiful Harvest This Fall (Belg)

Addis Ababa May 16/2024 (ENA) The Ministry of Agriculture has announced plans to produce a staggering 63 million quintals of agricultural yield during the this fall season locally known as Belg. 

Kebede Lakew, the public relations and communications executive at the Ministry of Agriculture, stated that extensive preparations have been made to achieve the ambitious production target. 

This includes ensuring the timely availability of essential agricultural inputs and resources across Ethiopia's spring growing regions, he said.

Kebede explained that efforts are underway to enhance productivity through the expansion of arable land, increased cropping frequencies, and the integration of modern agricultural technologies. 

With the government's heightened focus on the agricultural sector, farmers and semi-pastoralists are now able to cultivate their land multiple times a year, including through summer irrigation and autumn harvests, he said.

To support these efforts, the ministry has undertaken large-scale distribution of vital inputs such as soil, fertilizers, and high-quality seeds to meet the needs of the farming community, he added. 

Kebede noted that sectors like wheat cultivation, the government's "Ye Lemat's Tirufat" program, and urban agriculture have all witnessed substantial progress and tangible results.

Additionally, the ministry has been actively mechanizing agricultural operations, providing farmers with tractors and other modern equipment to boost efficiency, he noted. 

During the current production period, the government has procured 19.4 million quintals of fertilizer, with 12 million quintals already imported and distributed for summer irrigation and autumn (Belg) planting, he said.

Furthermore, the ministry has made available 256,000 quintals of premium seeds for a wide range of crops, covering an impressive 2.6 million hectares of land.

Kebede emphasized that the combination of favorable weather conditions, improved agricultural inputs, and the widespread adoption of mechanization and modern farming techniques are all contributing factors towards the anticipated 63 million quintal harvest this fall, he pointed out.

The Public relations and communications executive stressed the importance of ensuring that farmers are well-equipped and have a thorough understanding of the optimal cultivation practices. 

He noted that the recent positive rainfall patterns in the autumn growing regions bode well for a successful harvest season, and the ministry is working diligently to ensure the timely transportation of inputs and deployment of tractors to benefit farmers nationwide.

Looking ahead, Kebede expressed confidence that the targeted 63 million quintal production goal for the fall (Belg) season will be achieved, as the ministry continues to prioritize initiatives aimed at bolstering food self-sufficiency across Ethiopia's diverse agricultural landscape.