Farmers in Mendefera sub-zone exchange experience concerning sweet potato production

Farmers in Mendefera sub-zone have exchanged experience concerning sweet potato production, the vitality of which has become obvious in connection with ensuring food security.

Mendefera, 06 February 2014 – Farmers in Mendefera sub-zone have exchanged experience concerning sweet potato production, the vitality of which has become obvious in connection with ensuring food security.

Upon visiting the sweet potato farm of an exemplary farmer Mr. Kahsai Haile, in which the Administrator of the sub-zone and agriculture experts were present, Ms. Tirhas Yemane from the Halhale National Institute of Agricultural Research outlined the merits of the vegetable vis-à-vis diet.  Moreover, Mr. Kahsai disclosed that he could attain higher production level pertaining to poultry and dairy farming through utilizing sweet potato products as feed.

Dr. Ogbazgi Kifle, Head of the Agriculture Ministry’s branch in the Southern region, equally made note of the advantages of sweet potato as food for animals and humans, and called for additional societal focus in this connection.

Likewise, Mr. Eyasu Asefaw, Head of the Agriculture Ministry’s branch in the sub-zone, said that the tour was organized with a view to inspiring farmers’ resort to utilization of sweet potato as a feed for livestock, and thereby raising of dairy production output. Among the farmers, Mr. Tesfai Mebrahtu and Mr. Abdulkadir Jihar expressed readiness to adhere to such green feed alternaive.

Mr. Abraham Hagos, Administrator of the sub-zone, pointed out that the initiative is equally important as regards altering societal taste to sweet potato, and called for further community participation in this regard.