Maize Productivity Significantly Improving In Ethiopia

Addis Ababa: The adoption of improved technologies and farming practices has significantly boosted maize productivity in Ethiopia, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) disclosed.The 4th Decadal Maize Workshop of Ethiopia is underway in Addis Ababa with the theme 'Harnessing Maize Genetics and Management Practices to Revitalize the Ethiopian Food System in the Face of Climate change.'Maize is crucial to Ethiopia's agricultural sector, significantly contributing to food security, livelihood, and economic development while supporting numerous smallholder farmers across diverse agro-ecological zones.Opening the workshop today, State Minister of Agriculture Melese Mekonnen said Ethiopia has undertaken massive economic reform during the past six years as agriculture is one of the major priority sectors of the reform.Stating that the homegrown economic reform gives priority to mulita-sectoral approach, he said agriculture, mining, tourism, industry and ICT are the five critical pillars of Ethi opia's homegrown economic reform.The state minister commended all pertinent stakeholders for the recent transformation of wheat production and productivity including experts, farmers and the dedicated leadership of the government.Melese has also stressed the need to reinforce the commitment of the government, institutions and experts to further boost productivity of maize.By the continued commitment of the government, integration of institutions, dedication of experts, and the willingness of partners to support the sector, the country can register better achievements in the maize sector, he pointed out.Director General of Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) Feto Esimo said Ethiopia's commitment to agricultural transformation is evident in the remarkable stride the country has made in maize production.Noting that the adoption of improved technologies and farming practices has significantly boosted maize productivity in Ethiopia, he praised the dedicated efforts of the researchers, see d producers and extension services to advance maize production in the country.Moving forward, he further noted that enhancing the capacity and modernization of our research system will be essential to overcoming the challenges and to maximize the potential of the sector.Director General at the Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute Mandefro Nigussie affirmed that maize has a significant contribution for agricultural transformation of the nation.Commending Ethiopia's stride to self-sufficiency in maize production, he said the country plans to provide maize for export markets in the future.Recent reports of the Central Statistical Service of Ethiopia showed that maize was produced by more than ten million households on about 2.53million hectares of land.Maize is an important food and nutritional security crop in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia, it was learned.Source: Ethiopian News Agency