Ethiopia's Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) reports a significant expansion of contract farming, with over 2.1 million hectares cultivated for the 2024/25 harvest, yielding an estimated 38 million quintals of various crops.
This represents a substantial increase from the previous year's 16 million quintals produced on 772,857 hectares. The initiative, boosted by a new contract farming proclamation passed in June 2024, aims to increase foreign currency earnings through export crops like sesame and soybeans, while also supplying domestic industries with barley, durum wheat, and other cereals.
The MoA highlights the proclamation as key to achieving food security, boosting exports, and modernizing agricultural practices. Increased participation from farmers, producers, and investors, including international players and Chinese investors leasing land in South Ethiopia, demonstrates growing confidence in the sector. Regional initiatives, particularly in Oromia State, are further strengthening the program's impact.
EPA reported that the MoA's ambitious plans signify a major push to transform Ethiopia's agricultural sector through collaboration and innovation.