Agriculture Ministry’s Symposium Opens In Barentu

The Symposium of the Ministry of Agriculture got underway in Barentu town today. In an opening speech, Mr. Arefaine Berhe, Minister of Agriculture gave extensive briefings of the state of the sector in the early days of independence and the endeavors made to reactivate and develop it as well as the achievements registered to date.

April 4, 2011 – The Symposium of the Ministry of Agriculture got underway in Barentu town today. In an opening speech, Mr. Arefaine Berhe, Minister of Agriculture gave extensive briefings of the state of the sector in the early days of independence and the endeavors made to reactivate and develop it as well as the achievements registered to date.

The Minister explained that in the years 1994 – 1997 the pertinent policy and strategy concerning the agricultural sector was clearly defined along with the establishment of a research center leading to gratifying outcome. He further indicated that the main constraints encountered included uneven distribution of rainfall, poor soil content, traditional farming practices, coupled with various pests, vermin, unsatisfactory land holding system and the like. Moreover, the absence of sufficient number of experts in the sector was a major drawback, he added.

In the face of such disadvantages, resort was made to vigorous soil and water conservation endeavors followed with the construction of tens of micro-dams, reservoirs, water diversion schemes, promoting the health of livestock and coordinated initiatives in the domain of human resource development, the Minister elaborated.

Minister Arefaine explained that future action programs in the agricultural sector include still greater endeavors to ensure soil and water conservation, develop rangelands, together with attendants, construction of more micro-dams and reservoirs, reinforcing water diversion schemes, setting up of water-pipe factories as well as similar facilities for the canning of vegetables, fruit, meat and fishery products. Similar attention would also be paid to the task of to the plantation of cotton, sugar, potato and banana, the Minister elaborated.

The Minister also opened an exhibition highlighting the challenges encountered and the achievements registered over the past 20 years of independence.