Irrigation Projects in Ethiopia Achieve Milestones in First Quarter

ADDIS ABABA: Irrigation projects in Ethiopia, crucial for harnessing the country's development potential, are on track for timely completion and operation, according to Abraham Belay, Minister of Irrigation and Lowland Areas. The announcement came during the evaluation of the first 100 days of the 2017 Ethiopian Fiscal Year, attended by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.According to Ethiopian News Agency, the evaluation underscored that the implementation of Ethiopia's comprehensive macroeconomic reform program is yielding positive results across various sectors. Minister Abraham Belay highlighted that significant focus in the first quarter of the fiscal year was directed towards irrigation development projects, which are pivotal for supporting the nation's agricultural sector.The minister emphasized the potential of these projects to enhance food security and expand Ethiopia's agricultural exports by moving away from traditional farming practices and enabling year-round production. He noted that significant effo rts are underway to execute mega irrigation projects essential for meeting the country's agricultural development goals.Over the past three months, considerable progress has been made in identifying and completing delayed projects with the required quality standards. Special attention has been dedicated to the development of irrigation systems and lowland areas, which are vital for the country's agricultural advancement.The ongoing acceleration of these irrigation projects during the first quarter is expected to significantly contribute to Ethiopia's agricultural development, the minister affirmed.