Urgently required fertilizers reach farmers in Tigray: FAO

Addis Ababa, July 21, 2022 (FBC) – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) delivered the first batch of 262 tonnes of fertilizers to Tigray in collaboration with the Government of Ethiopia. The fertilizers handed over to farmers are part of the 19,300 tonnes secured by FAO and partners to provide urgent support to farmers to plant in the Meher planting season, improve crop production and curb the risk of food insecurity in the region.

“The arrival of the fertilizers in Tigray marks an important step in restoring the capacity of farmers to produce their own food. We will continue to provide support to vulnerable communities”, said Chimimba David Phiri, FAO Representative for Ethiopia

“FAO, as the Agriculture Cluster Lead Agency, wishes to commend the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ethiopian Agriculture Business Commission and all partners involved for tremendous work in facilitating the delivery of the NPS and urea fertilizer. I particularly recognize the support of resource partners for their prompt response to our appeal”, added Phiri.

In the coming weeks, FAO and partners are planning to provide 60 000 tonnes of fertilizers to farmers to support crop production. Even though time is running out, there is still time to purchase and deliver urea fertilizer, taking advantage of the offer by the Government of Ethiopia to purchase fertilizers at cost price.

FAO continues to call for financial, material and technical support to Tigray as well as other areas affected by the conflict, such as Amhara and Afar regions.