FAO Agricola Award is recognition for food system transformation – MoPD Minister

Addis Ababa, January 29, 2024 (FBC) – The Minister of Planning and Development, Fitsum Aseffa, said that the FAO Agricola Medal awarded to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) on January 28 signifies global acclaim for Ethiopia’s steadfast dedication in food system transformation.

Recall that Prime Minister Abiy was awarded the prestigious FAO Agricola Medal in a ceremony hosted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome, Italy, for his vision, leadership and commitment to food security and nutrition as well as the pursuit of innovative solutions in wheat self-sufficiency in the context of fast-changing and challenging circumstances.

The Prime Minister received the Agricola Medal in the presence of high-level delegates of various countries, representatives of international organizations, diplomatic missions in Italy and private sector representatives.

Sharng her thoughts on the distinguished award given to Prime Minister Abiy, the Minister of Planning and Development posited that the honor and acknowledgment stand as a testament to the efficacious outcomes realized in the areas of irrigated wheat, YeLemat Trufat, and the Green Legacy initiatives, which have begun to manifest results amidst diverse challenges.

In the past five years, Ethiopia has been strategically channeling substantial investments into the agricultural sector, fervently advancing initiatives aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in wheat, thereby engendering noteworthy expansion across pivotal commodities. Consequently, a notable surge of 36 percent in crop development has transpired, the minister indicated.

In particular, wheat production has increased by almost 200 percent compared to the same production period last year. There has been a significant increase in other products compared to the same production period last year, the Minister noted.

Fitsum emphasized that assessing the influence of leaders’ dedication on a nation’s comprehensive transformation is a complex endeavor. She highlighted that, in addition to the agricultural sector, the Prime Minister has effectively spear-headed societal mobilization in tourism and various sectors through the implementation of numerous initiatives engaging the populace.

The FAO Agricola Medal is poised to serve as an additional impetus for the accomplishments realized by Prime Minister Abiy and the endeavors he is yet to embark upon, the Minister of Planning and Development mentioned. She underscored that the accolade is expected to stimulate active citizen engagement in developmental activities, capture the attention of international development entities and partners, thereby fortifying their support for Ethiopia.

The Minister emphasized that the recognition is an outcome derived from the concerted endeavors of various stakeholders in the agricultural sector, with due recognition accorded to the farmers who played a pivotal role in this success.

She further asserted that the recognition serves as a stimulant for the stakeholders of the sector to make apt contributions to the realization of the country’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in food.