Deputy PM Temesgen commissioned air tractors to combat locusts, other infestations

Addis Ababa, June 15, 2024 (FBC) – Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh has inaugurated 5 air tractors purchased by the government to mitigate the risk of locusts and other infestations in agricultural activities.

The Government of Ethiopia has expended 850 million Birr and bought the 5 air tractors, the most efficient means of pest control in Africa, to be used for disaster mitigation efforts.

Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said on the occasion that the country has been trying to control various natural disasters, including swarm locust, wild fire and the red-billed quelea birds through traditional mechanisms as the nation lacks technological capability.

These disasters have been predicament to the country’s efforts to reduce crop damages in addition to their risk on human health, he added.

According to him, Ethiopia has been expending 13 billion Birr annually to control swarms of locust and other disasters by renting aircraft to spray chemicals and other preventive mechanisms.

Rented and borrowed aircraft from other countries have also been used to control the wild fire encountered around Semien Mountains and Bale National Park.

The government has, therefore, purchased 5 air tractors which are now on duty to address this challenge, the deputy premier said.

The air tractors will be deployed for multi-purpose duties, including controlling desert locust, predatory raptor and spraying anti-weed and anti-pesticide chemicals, prevention of prairie fire, sowing seeds and other agricultural activities.

The air tractors are capable of spraying 12 hectares of land per minute and the private airline National Airways will manage the administration of the airplanes, it was learned.

Apart from providing domestic services, the air tractors will be rented out to foreign countries to generate additional foreign currency for the country.

Recall that Prime Minister Abiy said Ethiopia will develop own capacity for disaster mitigation and spraying of chemicals that include owning planes.

Agriculture Minister Girma Amente, government officials, and the leadership of the National Airways attended the official inauguration ceremony.