Nigerian delegation conducts experience sharing tour on irrigated wheat farming in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, April 17, 2024 (FBC) – A Nigerian delegation led by the Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, has conducted a four day strategic experience sharing tour in Ethiopia and derived experiences from irrigated wheat farming practices in several parts of the country.

The Nigerian high-level delegation is comprised of key agricultural experts, government officials, professionals from the Ministry of Agriculture and relevant agencies.

The delegation visited activities under Ethiopia’s national irrigated wheat production initiative and engaged in a comprehensive experience-sharing sessions with senior officials including State Minister for Agriculture, Meles Mekonnen (PhD) and agricultural experts with the aim of bringing home best experiences in the sector.

During the experience sharing tour, State Minister for Agriculture, Meles Mekonnen (PhD) told the Nigerian delegation that Ethiopia is working to cultivate 3 million ha of land in irrigated wheat farming this year.

Saying that the irrigated wheat farming has enabled Ethiopia to replace the import with local production, Melese added that the government is working with several stakeholders to improve livelihoods of farmers, transform the agriculture food system and ensure food sovereignty.

Besides, the delegation has made on-the-field-assessment on rain-fed wheat cluster farming in Abichu Ena Gne’a and Kimbibit districts in Northern Shewa of Oromia region.

Delegation, among others, derived lessons on irrigated wheat production and other successful practices in areas of agricultural commercialization and cluster farming methods.

Ethiopia has emerged as a key player in wheat production in Africa, demonstrating remarkable achievements in agricultural sustainability and productivity.