ENA Summer wheat cultivation delivers remarkable gains: PM Abiy

Addis Ababa, May 6, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s wheat production has surpassed 330 million quintals this year, placing the country among Africa’s leading wheat producers, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said.

The premier noted that the country’s combined summer and winter wheat harvest stood at 280 million quintals last year, adding that this year’s production increased by 50 million quintals.

 

 

Prime Minister Abiy made the remarks after inspecting wheat cultivated on 2,150 hectares of farmland in Sululta Woreda, North Shewa Zone of Oromia Region.

He said the significant growth reflects the remarkable gains being registered through Ethiopia’s summer wheat cultivation program, which has become a key pillar of the country’s agricultural transformation and food security drive.

 

 

According to the prime minister, wheat was cultivated on 4.4 million hectares during the previous summer season and on 3.8 million hectares this year, bringing the total area covered to more than 8 million hectares.

He attributed the increased production to expanded farmland coverage and improved productivity, noting that previously uncultivated land is now being put into use.

“Land should not be left fallow; we must free ourselves from dependency,” the premier stressed.

 

 

PM Abiy also highlighted the contribution of irrigation development, including river diversion and the effective use of seasonal rains, to the rising wheat output.

The prime minister pointed to North Shewa Zone as one of the areas registering notable improvements in productivity due to efficient resource utilization and expanded cultivation.

 

 

He further emphasized that the rise in agricultural productivity is improving the livelihoods of farmers by increasing their income.

“Increased productivity has enhanced income and improved livelihoods,” he said.

The premier underscored the importance of sustaining the momentum by scaling up agricultural innovation and maximizing the use of available resources nationwide.

“The progress we are seeing shows that Ethiopia has strong potential for growth,” Abiy said, urging farmers, extension workers and government officials to continue strengthening production efforts.

“We must use every day and every season to produce, not only to feed ourselves but to support others,” he added.

The prime minister acknowledged that challenges remain, but stressed that they can be overcome through continued commitment and collective effort.

In a social media post following the visit, Abiy reaffirmed that Ethiopia’s efforts to ensure national food self-sufficiency and sovereignty are advancing steadily through expanded wheat cultivation across the country.