Water that the dams in Central region are holding will have a big role in ensuring food security

The water that the dams in the Central region are holding will have a big role in the efforts to ensure food security, Mr. Yemene  Abay, head of economic development in the region, expressed.

Asmara, 9 September 2012- The water that the dams in the Central region are holding will have a big role in the efforts to ensure food security, Mr. Yemene  Abay, head of economic development in the region, expressed.

He indicated that there are 82 dams in the region and that 7 of them are for Asmara water supply while the remaining 75 are for different agricultural activities.

He further reiterated that 1500 hectares of land could be cultivated from the dams and currently only 600 hectares of land is being cultivated and that with the increase of water the dams are holding the remaining hectares of land would be cultivated.

Mr. Yemane explained that 140 hectares of land are being cultivated through drip and spray irrigation in Mekerka, Shimanigus-Lailai, Amitsi, Tseazega, Imbaderho and Tselot and that the system would be introduced in the other villages of the region.

He also noted that the necessary infrastructure has been put in place to cultivate temperate fruits in 22 hectares of land in Mekerka, Shimanigus-Lailai. Temperate fruits have been cultivated in 25 hectares of land in Itaber as a pilot project and have been proved successful.

From horticulture farmers, Mr. Asefa Teages and Mr. Hailemichael Teages expressed that the water the dam in their locality is holding will stimulate them to scale up efforts and that they would play due role in stabilizing market.

Ms. Aregash Solomon, Priest Seilu Andemichael and Ms. Himan Rissom, from Emboito, also said that they have finalized preparation to engage in horticulture farming activities by employing water pump generators.