Nigerian delegation seeks agricultural inspiration in Ethiopia’s wheat success

Addis Ababa, April 16, 2024 (FBC) – A high-level Nigerian delegation, led by Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, has embarked on a mission to Ethiopia to explore innovative agricultural practices in the East African nation.

The delegates were received by Minister of State for Agriculture, Meles Mekonnen, who highlighted Ethiopia’s remarkable achievements in wheat production, emphasizing his country’s food self-sufficiency and export capabilities.

State Minister Meles underscored Ethiopia’s conducive climate for wheat cultivation and its success in substituting imported wheat with locally grown produce. He stressed the importance of expanding irrigated wheat farms, providing necessary resources, and offering credit services to investors on a large scale to create prosperity through wheat production.

Ethiopia, dubbed as the largest wheat producer in Sub-Saharan Africa, has made significant strides in advancing wheat technology by establishing research centers and introducing 145 climate change-resilient wheat varieties, the State Minister reminded.

Aminu Nagir, chargé d’affaires at the Nigerian Embassy in Addis Ababa, revealed that the Nigerian delegation’s primary objective is to learn from Ethiopia’s experience in wheat farming.

The Nigerian delegation members acknowledged Ethiopia’s achievements in achieving food self-sufficiency and exporting wheat products, recognizing the country’s leading position in Africa. They expressed eagerness to study Ethiopia’s rain-fed and irrigated wheat production fields, viewing them as key elements to potentially implement similar successful practices back home in Nigeria.