Addis Ababa, September 2, 2024 (FBC) – With strong partnerships, Ethiopia’s food security and path to food sovereignty will be transformed, paving the way for a future where the nation is self-reliant and resilient in the face of climate challenges, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated.

By investing in sustainable agriculture, modern technology, and capacity-building, Ethiopia can boost productivity, diversify crops, and improve access to nutritious food, the Prime Minister said in a statement published on his social media page.

“Such collaborations will empower communities, create economic opportunities, and drive innovation, positioning Ethiopia as a leader in sustainable food systems and ensuring a thriving, food-secure future for our people,” he underscored.

Addis Ababa, September 1, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopia is taking significant steps toward transforming its rice and edible oil sectors, inspired by its recent achievements in wheat production, according to Mandefro Nigussie, CEO of the Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute.

Over the past six years, the East African nation has implemented extensive economic reforms, with agriculture highlighted as a key priority. The government has strategically focused on wheat as a vital commodity to enhance food security, reduce imports, and create jobs throughout the value chain.

Addis Ababa, August 31, 2024 (FBC) – The Ministry of Water and Energy has announced that preparations are in the final stages to provide solar-powered electricity to some 25 small rural towns.

Executive Director of Rural Energy Technology Development and Transfer at the Ministry, Birhanu Woldu, stated that efforts are underway to expand electricity access through alternative energy sectors.

Highlighting solar energy as a key alternative power source, Birhanu elaborated on the ongoing initiatives to make rural communities beneficiaries of this technology.

Addis Ababa, August 28, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture has announced that over 10 million hectares of land have been cultivated using cluster farming methods across the country this year.

According to Esayas Lemma, the head of crop development at the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry’s plan aims to produce 613 million quintals of crops during this year’s harvest season. To achieve this goal, 19.2 million hectares of arable land has been tilled so far, with 17.7 million hectares covered with various crops.

In regions where the rains are expected to arrive later than the typical Ethiopian rainy season, the cultivation of different crops is set to continue, the official stated. Corn, teff, wheat, and similar crops, which are the most prevalent food crops in Ethiopia, account for a significant portion of the crops sown so far, according to Esayas Lemma.

Addis Ababa, August 27, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Truneh today visited the Shabelle Zone in the Somali region, where he launched the harvesting of irrigated rice in the Beerano woreda. Temesgen praised the promising rice cultivation, which aligns with the country’s goal of achieving food self-sufficiency.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the government has been starting with small-scale initiatives and expanding them into larger ones.

He mentioned that Somali region is one of the seven areas in Ethiopia where rice can be grown, and large-scale rice production has also started in Amhara and Oromia regions. Temesgen asserted that diligent efforts will be made to mirror the results achieved with wheat in order to be self-sufficient in food.