Agriculture Ministry’s branch in Southern region implements various development programs at 104 million Nakfa in 2013

The Agriculture Ministry’s branch in the Southern region disclosed that it has implemented various development programs at a total expenditure of 104 million Nakfa in the year 2013.

Mendefera, 23 December 2013 – The Agriculture Ministry’s branch in the Southern region disclosed that it has implemented various development programs at a total expenditure of 104 million Nakfa in the year 2013. It made the remark at an assessment meeting on the 20th of this month, during which it was stated that remarkable achievements have been registered as regards introduction of drip irrigation, construction of diversion canals, land leveling, restoration of eroded slope areas and afforestation, as well as furthering animal feed yield.

Presenting a report at the meeting, Dr. Ogbazgi Kifle, Head of the branch office, indicated that milk and horticultural production continues to be practiced among its priorities. Accordingly, the region witnessed an annual milk supply of around 18 million liters, while that of honey stands at 83 Kg. Moreover, the number of new investors in these farming domains is on the rise, in connection with which trend the output  is expected to bear significant growth.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Arefaine Berhe, called for reinforcement of soil and water conservation activities in a bid to promoting the overall activities in the sector, in addition to large-scale introduction of crop rotation targeting bountiful harvest.

Meanwhile, Mr. Efrem Gebrekristos, Administrator of the Southern region, called on communities to step up participation in programs focusing on raising agricultural production.