Eritrea - Ministry of Information

Halhal, 14 December 2012 – Farmers in Halhal semi-urban center indicated that they are striving to ensure production of good quality coffee through integrating available resources. They further lauded the collaboration of EDF members in the venture, and expressed hope that they would meet the demand in the nearby markets.

Among the farmers, Mr. Ferej Ali, Mr. Yishak Samra, Ms. Halima Omar and Ms. Akhiar Mohammed explained that the community’s awareness regarding the merits of coffee farming is on the rise, and that they would sustain their hard work to this end.

Mr. Girmatsion Abraha, Administrator of Halhal sub-zone, pointed out that the select coffee seed under cultivation in the locality has impressively drawn the interest of farmers. Accordingly, a total of 2 hectares-wide integrated coffee farms involving 2,000 trees have been launched in the Administrative areas of Melebso, Mai-awalid and Halhal, besides the availability of 12,000 individually owned coffee plantations in the locality.

Mr. Osman Mohammed, head of the Agriculture Ministry’s branch in the sub-zone, on his part disclosed that the nursery there has played significant role in ensuring the necessary supply of coffee seedlings. The nursery is also engaged in preparing seedlings of temperate fruits such as apple and peach, in addition to olive.