Ethiopia's nationwide "Yelemat Tirufat" (Bounty of the Basket) initiative has significantly accelerated the country's efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency in a remarkably short period since its launch, the Ministry of Agriculture announced today.
Speaking in an interview with EBC, Alemayehu Mekonnen (PhD), Senior Advisor to the Minister of State for Fisheries Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the initiative's direct contribution to strengthening national food security.
He explained that Yelemat Tirufat focuses strategically on enhancing the cultivation and utilization of key animal products, specifically meat, eggs, honey, and milk.
According to Alemayehu, the program has already yielded substantial results across various sub-sectors.
In dairy production, for instance, the initiative has driven significant growth through focused breed improvement programs, leading to increased milk yields and quality, he said.
He added that the poultry sector has also seen tangible benefits. By promoting and supporting domestic production of previously imported poultry products, Yelemat Tirufat has successfully contributed to a considerable reduction in foreign exchange expenditure.
Furthermore, the initiative is actively working towards modernizing animal health practices through the integration of technology.
Alemayehu pointed out that Ethiopia has achieved the domestic production of improved vaccines that maintain high-quality standards.
This advancement not only strengthens the health of the national livestock population but also results in significant savings in foreign currency previously spent on importing such vital veterinary supplies, he emphasized.
The expert stated that beyond boosting production and saving foreign exchange, the bounty of the basket, as it is also known, has created a notable revival in the domestic market.
A key outcome has been the creation of employment opportunities, with the initiative reportedly engaging thousands of young people every year, contributing to local economic vibrancy and reducing unemployment.
Ultimately, the core objectives of the Yelemat Tirufat program remain sharply focused: ensuring food security for the nation, increasing export earnings through surplus production, and replacing imported agricultural products with domestically produced goods. The Ministry emphasizes that the swift progress seen since the initiative's inception underscores its potential to fundamentally transform Ethiopia's agricultural landscape and secure its food future, the senior advisor noted.