Minister highlights need to develop seeds and enrich soil fertility
Mendefera, 10 February 2010 - The Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Arefaine Berhe, highlighted the need to take concerted action focusing on developing seeds yielding higher productivity and enriching soil fertility, as they make due contribution in efforts to achieve food security. He made the remarks at an assessment meeting of the Ministry’s branch office in the Southern region in which representatives of the Ministry and sub-zonal administrators took part.
It was disclosed that a number of training programs were offered last year focusing on bee farming, poultry, Plant Science, Animal Science and natural resources, among others with a view to improving the farmer’s standard of living and boosting output. The meeting also took note of the various agricultural activities carried out in coordination with development partners at an expenditure of over 19 million Nakfa.
In a paper he presented, the head of animal resource in the region, Dr. Ogbazgi Kifle, indicated that 270 cows have been extended to the farmers in a bid to ensure milk production. Noting that milk collection center has opened in Dubarwa sub-zone so as to enhance the supply of milk to the market, he pointed out that efforts are underway to tackle shortage of animal feed through cultivating 23 different types of grass in the rangelands.
Dr. Ogbazgi further explained that preparations have been made to apply drip irrigation below the micro-dams of Sememo, Adi-Bahro, Seb’o and Harnet. A water diversion scheme that could irrigate over 170 hectares has also been constructed in Keih Kor, he added.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Administrator of the Southern region, Mr. Mustafa Nurhusein, noted the significance of effective study and accurate information data in the development of the agriculture sector.
It was disclosed that a number of training programs were offered last year focusing on bee farming, poultry, Plant Science, Animal Science and natural resources, among others with a view to improving the farmer’s standard of living and boosting output. The meeting also took note of the various agricultural activities carried out in coordination with development partners at an expenditure of over 19 million Nakfa.
In a paper he presented, the head of animal resource in the region, Dr. Ogbazgi Kifle, indicated that 270 cows have been extended to the farmers in a bid to ensure milk production. Noting that milk collection center has opened in Dubarwa sub-zone so as to enhance the supply of milk to the market, he pointed out that efforts are underway to tackle shortage of animal feed through cultivating 23 different types of grass in the rangelands.
Dr. Ogbazgi further explained that preparations have been made to apply drip irrigation below the micro-dams of Sememo, Adi-Bahro, Seb’o and Harnet. A water diversion scheme that could irrigate over 170 hectares has also been constructed in Keih Kor, he added.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Administrator of the Southern region, Mr. Mustafa Nurhusein, noted the significance of effective study and accurate information data in the development of the agriculture sector.