Ethiopia Targets 8.4 Percent Economic Growth Amid Agricultural Expansion.

Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that Ethiopia is aiming to achieve an 8.4 percent economic growth rate for the current Ethiopian Fiscal Year. Addressing the 3rd regular session of the House of Peoples' Representatives, he emphasized the country's plans for robust economic development, building on the 8.1 percent growth recorded last year and positive indicators from the past three months.According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Prime Minister highlighted the comprehensive preparations and input fulfillment underway to meet this growth target, with a particular focus on expanding the agricultural sector. The agricultural base is set to play a significant role, expected to contribute 6.1 percent to the planned growth. Within this sector, the crop sub-sector is projected to experience a 6.6 percent increase.Abiy pointed out that crop, cotton, and horticulture productions are yielding favorable outcomes. In total, 30 million hectares of land are planned for cultivation during the winter and su mmer seasons to achieve a harvest of 1.4 billion quintals. The 'Bounty of the Basket' national agricultural development program is being enhanced to boost dairy, poultry, egg, honey, fish, and meat production across the country. As a result, 12 billion liters of milk, 218,000 tons of chicken, and 8 billion eggs are anticipated this fiscal year.The Prime Minister also noted the focus on producing sesame, nuts, soybean, and black beans to further support the agricultural sector. He emphasized that Ethiopia possesses all the necessary conditions, including water, vast farming land, and human resources, crucial for agricultural advancement. Efforts are being made to provide fertilizers tailored to the natural and climatic conditions of various regions to aid this development.