Ethiopia has harvested 1.6 million hectares of wheat from its summer irrigated farming program, with 98 million quintals expected to be produced in the ongoing fall season. The Ministry of Agriculture has already sown 3.5 million hectares of land this year, as part of its efforts to boost national wheat production.

Speaking to ENA, Isayas Lemma, the CEO of Crop Development at the Ministry, highlighted that the country is working to increase both production and productivity by enabling farmers to grow crops throughout the year in the summer, spring, and fall irrigated areas. This strategy is designed to ensure food security and reduce dependence on wheat imports.

The increase in production is attributed to expanding the area covered by seeds, utilizing previously uncultivated land, and applying modern agricultural technology and high-quality seeds. These factors have contributed to higher yields and improved productivity.

This year, Ethiopia plans to produce 172 million quintals of wheat from the summer irrigated cultivation alone, with harvesting already underway for the early-sown crops.

For the fall season, 2 million hectares have been sown out of the 3.7 million hectares planned. The target for fall production is 98 million quintals, in line with Ethiopia’s push for year-round food production and greater agricultural self-sufficiency.