Ethiopia’s livestock and fisheries sector has made remarkable strides in recent years, with the National Livestock Development Program driving significant improvements. Among the most notable achievements, the country’s egg production has surged from 3.2 billion to 9.1 billion in just four years, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted agricultural policies, as reported by Ministry of Agriculture.

The program, officially launched on November 03, 2022, by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) in Arba Minch, aims to ensure food security, enhance domestic livestock production, reduce imports, and boost foreign exchange earnings. Minister of Agriculture Girma Amente (PhD) highlighted these achievements during the inauguration of the National Multi-Purpose Dairy Development Training Center in Holeta, a facility backed by the World Bank to train 20,000 dairy technicians and expand farmer support services.

The rapid increase in egg production is part of broader sectoral growth. Cow milk production has risen from 5.8 billion to 10.3 billion liters, chicken meat production has expanded from 90,000 to 240,000 tons, and honey output has nearly doubled to 296,000 tons. The success of these initiatives has prompted a reassessment of future targets to sustain momentum.

A major driver behind this growth is Ethiopia’s expanding artificial insemination capacity, which has jumped from 500,000 to 3 million procedures in just two years, resulting in 1.7 million improved calves born in the last eight months alone. Additionally, eight new Liquid Nitrogen Centers are being established to ensure a stable supply for breeding programs.

The poultry sector has also seen significant advancements. Initially, Ethiopia distributed only 26 million one-day-old chicks annually. Following government intervention, this figure rose to 41 million, and with the establishment of the Grand Parent Stock Center by MIDROC Investment Group and the Ministry of Agriculture, the country now has the capacity to produce 100 million chicks per year. So far, 85 million chicks have been distributed in the past eight months, with plans to reach 150 million by year-end.

Other key developments include the introduction of 1,994 modern beehives and a shift toward fish farming in artificial ponds. Previously reliant on lakes and rivers, farmers now raise fish in controlled environments, with 7.6 million fish fingerlings distributed in just eight months.

The Ministry of Agriculture is prioritizing knowledge-driven development to sustain these gains. The Holeta-based training center will not only equip technicians but also empower model farmers and pastoralists, ensuring long-term growth in the sector. Research institutions and animal development centers are also being urged to collaborate with local communities to maximize impact.