Farmers in Afabet sub-zone redoubling efforts to boost production of vegetables

Farmers engaged in fruits and vegetables  farming in Afabet sub-zone are redoubling efforts to meet market demand, as well as stabilize prices, and thereby achieve food security, ERINA correspondent reported.
Afabet, 25 April 2010 –  Farmers engaged in fruits and vegetables  farming in Afabet sub-zone are redoubling efforts to meet market demand, as well as stabilize prices, and thereby achieve food security, ERINA correspondent reported.

The farming community stated that the principle of self-reliance constitutes the cornerstone of their activities and expressed conviction that the nation would ensure food security in the near future. They further indicated that over 3,000 quintals of pepper, 125 quintals of onion and 520 quintals of various types of vegetables were supplied to the markets in Afabet and Asmara over the past couple of months.

The farmers asserted that they would strive to obtain bumper harvest through properly utilizing the select seeds extended to them by the Ministry of Agriculture.  Noting that the training courses offered by the Ministry are making due contribution in facilitating their daily activities, they explained that date palm plantations are yielding satisfactory output.

Reports indicated that more than 80 vegetable farmers have already been organized in association which is creating conducive ground for undertaking effective farming tasks. The Ministry offered them select seeds of tomatoes, onions and others which needs to be enhanced so as to meet the set demand.

About 270 hectares of vegetables are now under cultivation in Afabet sub-zone, according to reports.