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The 5th International Conference on Pulses, Oil Seeds Kicks Off in Ethiopia

The fifth Annual International Conference on Pulses, Oil Seeds and Spices kicked off in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at Sheraton Addis, on November 18, 2015, according to Ethiopian News Agency.

The Conference among others, aimed at enhancing the business link in the sector and expanding international trade and investment as well as sharing experiences.

At the opening of the Conference, Ethiopian President Dr. Mulatu Teshome said: “The pulses, oil seeds and spices sector is one of the largest components of Ethiopia’s agricultural sector and could immensely contribute to Ethiopia’s economic growth.

Ethiopia currently produces over 400,000 metric tons of chickpea annually and is one of the top ten largest chickpea and sesame seeds producers in the world.”

He said five million Ethiopian smallholder farmers established their livelihood on the production of seeds and pulses, specifically on sesame and chickpea. Thus, Ethiopia needs to develop these value chains from low to high productivity by increasing yield, processing and exporting.

The President also stated that Ethiopia needs sustainable world market growth proportionate to its economic growth.

Ministry of Trade State Minister Ayana Zewude said Ethiopia’s pulses and oil seeds export has registered an average growth of 16 percent. Increased production, better quality and market diversification have contributed to the export growth.

He has also made a note on the importance of expanding and diversifying the sector’s market linkages to match the unprecedented supply side growth.

Source: Ethiopian Herald