The Ethiopia's Adami Tulu Pesticide Processing S.C. has announced that it is expanding its factory to produce Dichlorophenoxy Acetic Acid (2,4-D), The Ethiopian Herald reported. This chemical is a common systemic pesticide that is manufactured to control broad leaf weeds.
According to Dr. Teshome Fetene, Company Project Coordinator, it was following the high demand of pesticides and the wide adoption of chemicals in the agricultural sector that the company made the feasibility study for the project. He further elaborated the nation imports these chemicals.
The project is being run by Adami Tulu’s management. According to Teshome if the project was undertaken by a private construction company it would have costed the company 63 Million Birr. However, the imported machinery and spare parts of the project have costed the company only 15 Million Birr.
Teshome added the project is now 85 percent through. When it is over, the company expects itself to produce 1.5 Million liters of Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid every year. And it is expected to create job opportunity for 70 to 100 people. The company expects to produce as much chemicals for the Mehere and Belg season.
The remaining task is addressing the dalliance of electric supply for the project, Teshome noted. And if the electric supply is effected within the scheduled time, the company will be able to produce all the chemicals according to the plan set.
It is also the company’s plan to produce chemicals needed in sugarcane and other large-scale framings.
According to Lema Bogale, representative of the Deputy General Manager, in the last fiscal year Adami Tulu managed to earn 45 Million Birr out of the targeted 42 Million Birr. He says the company’s products are the favorites for farmers, the community and customers because of their relatively expire dates and their easy accessibility in the market.
Nonetheless, Herald has written the country’s 60 to 70 percent of pesticides demand is met from import.
And with to regard to safety, Lema said workers of the company wear and also use safety keeping materials. There is also a clinic in the company compound. The employees are also insured and they get medical treatment at hospitals as per the agreement the company has entered into.
Adami Tulu is a public enterprise that was established in 1985 E.C. for the production of chemicals that are used for agricultural purposes and the prevention of malaria. It currently produces around 22 types of chemicals that are used in the health and agricultural sector.
Source: The Ethiopian Herald
