Improved Seeds Released to Drive Significant Boost in Crop Yields, Says EIAR

Addis Ababa, March 28, 2026 (ENA) —The Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) announced that it has released improved seeds to drive significant boosts in crop yield.

Prof. Nigussie Dechassa, Director General of EIAR, has emphasized that the institute’s crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity through the development and release of improved hybrid seeds.

In a exclusive interview with ENA, Prof. Nigussie emphasized that the EIAR conducts research on key crops including maize, wheat, barley, potato, and coffee to develop high-quality, high-yield varieties.

“These improved seeds have been instrumental in increasing yields per hectare,” he added.

He cited maize production as a striking example, noting that yields have risen from 45 quintals per hectare to between 80 and 90 quintals when farmers cultivate the EIAR’s improved hybrid varieties.

Similarly, the wheat seeds currently used nationwide were developed by the institute. With ten improved varieties, average wheat production has increased to 36 quintals per hectare, peaking at 80 quintals, up from 14 -15 quintals twenty years ago.

The institute has also released twelve hybrid barley varieties, meeting domestic demand for malt and reducing reliance on imports.

In the potato sector, some 45 new seed varieties have been introduced, nearly doubling average yields from 120 quintals to 230 quintals per hectare.

Prof. Nigussie stressed that potatoes, like other staple crops, are vital for Ethiopia’s food sovereignty.