Farmers in East Wollega Zone of Oromia Region Reaping Benefits from Agricultural Initiatives

Addis Ababa, June 05/2024 (ENA) Farmers in East Wollega Zone of Oromia Region have said they are reaping encouraging economic benefits from the number of agricultural initiatives put in place by the government in the areas.  

A delegation led by the Head of Oromia Regional Agriculture Bureau, Getu Gemechu is conducting a visit to witness various development activities being carried out in the East Wollega Zone. 

The government of Ethiopia has been intensifying efforts to enhance agricultural productivity with a view to ensuring food self-sufficient and import substitution. 

Accordingly, the nation has been registering remarkable achievements in the production of various crops notably the bumper harvest witnessed in wheat production over the past few years. 

These initiatives have also brought significant changes in the production of various fruits such as avocado, bananas and papaya including in Oromia Region.  

Jirenya Abera is one of the many farmers benefiting from avocado production in the East Wollega Zone. He said “I have been engaged in avocado production over the past four years as the government has paid attention to transform the sector." 

Jirenya has now been able to own 380 avocado and 250 coffee trees and he is expecting a bumper harvest soon. He is planning to export the product to other countries.   

The East Wollega Zonal Agriculture Bureau head, Asfaw Hambisa, said that because farmers in the region are aware of the economic advantages of avocado, production of the fruit has been rising steadily. 

 

The farmers in this area are exporting about 600 quintals of avocados annually from various woredas in the Zones. 

Some 1.6 million avocado seedlings will be planted during this rainy season, Asfaw added. 

Oromia Regional Agriculture Bureau head, Getu Gemechu said various initiatives are being implemented to improve the livelihood of farmers by carrying out agricultural development activities. 

Particularly, the region has given attention to avocado production as it significantly benefits farmers in various ways. Oromia region has planned to plant 10 million avocado seedlings during this year rainy season. 

"Our farmers have started to cultivate avocados in clusters," he said the region will continue its efforts to provide necessary support for the farmers.

Recall that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized the importance of peace and unity among the Oromo people, urging them to uphold the progress they have made and strive for further positive changes at a public rally held  last month at Welega Stadium, Nekemte town.  

On the occasion, the premier also underscored the need for economic freedom and reiterated the call for maintaining peace within the community.