Agriculture Ministry’s branch in Mendefera sub-zone encourages 40 model farmers

The Agriculture Ministry’s branch in Mendefera sub-zone donated farm tools and select crops to 40 model farmers who registered outstanding accomplishments in horticultural, poultry, apicultural, as well as meat and dairy farming, besides the ones who ensured active involvement in soil and water conservation and set up energy-saving wood stove, Adhanet. Mendefera, 14 May 2012 – The Agriculture Ministry’s branch in Mendefera sub-zone donated farm tools and select crops to 40 model farmers who registered outstanding accomplishments in horticultural, poultry, apicultural, as well as meat and dairy farming, besides the ones who ensured active involvement in soil and water conservation and set up energy-saving wood stove, Adhanet.

Mr. Eyasu Asefaw, head of the branch office, explained that the initiative to encourage model farmers was taken with a view to boosting overall production and improving the livelihood of the farmers. He further called on the farmers to demonstrate active participation in endeavors to ensure wide distribution of select crops, consistent preparation of farm lands, widespread green feed farming and the implementation of extensive sweet potato farming.

Mr. Bahta Tedros, head of the Ministry’s branch in the Southern region, said that model farmers are expected to play big role in backing up the endeavors being made by the Government to ensure food security, and that they should reinforce efforts to boost production.

Commending the donations made by the Ministry, the model farmers said that they would work hard to substantially raise their production, and called on agriculture experts in the area to extending continued support.

Reports indicate that there exist a total of 753 fruits and vegetables farmers and 827 dairy farmers in the sub-zone, besides 328 individuals engaged in apiculture activity owning a total of 826 beehives.