Addis Ababa, January 4, 2021 (FBC) – Higher officials and experts of the Ministry of Agriculture discussed with various stakeholders on ways of transforming the horticulture sector. Activities of the national avocado production project were also reviewed in the meeting.
It was stated on the occasion that Ethiopia has a great opportunity for horticulture development owing to suitable climate, fertile soil, and huge irrigation potential and affordable human power.
The sector has been attracting a huge investment flow and penetrating international markets over the last two decades and becoming potential foreign currency earning center, officials on the ministry noted.
During the discussion, it is indicated that Ethiopia is working to be competitive in the global market with additional proximity of its geography which is located in the gateway of Africa, Middle East, and Europe.
The sector is one of the five largest contributors of export income for the country in 315.14 million US Dollars in the year 2018/19. Horticulture export created employment opportunity for over 200,000 Ethiopians.
Agriculture State Minister of Horticulture Development Sector, Wondale Habtamu underlined that efforts are well underway to address critical bottlenecks and help the sector contribute to the national commodities export and create more job opportunities at different levels.
At the last, Minister of Agriculture Mr. Oumer Hussen said, the government of Ethiopia is working towards modernizing the horticulture sectors through refining and strengthening law, policy and regulatory environment.