By: Wegayehu Muluneh
Ethiopia is making significant strides towards food self-sufficiency, implementing bold agricultural policies over the past six years to reduce reliance on imports and ensure sustainable food security, said the statement Office of The Prime Minister issued today.
According to the statement, a key achievement is the country’s wheat production success. Through expanded irrigation, improved seed varieties, and modern farming techniques, Ethiopia has transformed from a wheat importer to a self-sufficient producer.
Since the 2020/21 harvest, the country has ceased wheat imports, saving nearly $1 billion annually, the statement added.
To boost agricultural productivity, the government has launched initiatives such as irrigation-based farming, climate-resilient agriculture, duty-free imports of agricultural machinery, and policy reforms.
Flagship programs like the Irrigated Wheat Initiative and the Green Legacy Initiative further support Ethiopia’s food security agenda.
Ethiopia employs advanced data collection methods, including ground surveys, agricultural censuses, and remote sensing, to monitor progress and ensure accurate statistics.
The 2023/24 season saw a record 23 million tons of wheat production, highlighting the country’s progress in achieving food sovereignty.
Ethiopia’s success serves as a model for African nations striving for agricultural independence, proving that the continent has the potential to achieve food security through innovation and strategic policies.
Read the full statement by clicking the following linkπ
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