PM Abiy visits Qoga irrigation-based lowland wheat production farm

Addis Ababa, March 7, 2021 (FBC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed along with high ranking officials has visited Qoga irrigation-based lowland wheat production farm in Mecha Woreda of Amhara regional state.

Out of the first round irrigation-based farming of Koga that has been carried out at 5,950 ha of land, 3,590 ha has been covered by lowland wheat while the remaining is apportioned to fruit and vegetable farming.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that Ethiopia is aggressively working to fully substitute wheat import with local production.

“Mecha Woreda in the Amhara region has been successful in cultivating 3,590 hectares of wheat through the Qoga irrigation scheme in 15 clusters.”, the premier noted, adding “Similarly, small holder farmers have been producing avocados through the same irrigation scheme, demonstrating success in productivity.”

He also said the country has given due attention for Avocado production which is expected to be one of Ethiopia’s leading export items in the years to come.

As per the initiate underway to substitute 50pct of imported wheat by local production, 50,200 ha land has been cultivated through irrigation in Amhara Regional state alone.

More than 300 ha of land has been covered with lowland wheat faming across the country as part of the efforts underway to substitute imported wheat with local production.