Ethiopian Horticulture Development Agency (EHDA) disclosed Ethiopia earned a total of USD 114 million from horticultural export in during the first half of the current fiscal year.

According to the public relations head at the Agency, Mekonnen Hailu, out of the total USD 114 million, USD 91 million of it was secured from the export of 289 million flower cuttings and over 20,000 tons of roses and summer flowers.

"The balance was obtained from nearly 77,000 tons of vegetables, fruits and herbs," he furthered.

The main export destination for the flowers is Netherlands, Mekonnen explained. It accounts for 80 percent of the country’s total flower export.

The rest 20 percent is shared by other markets including, Germany, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), France, Italy, Japan and the U.S.

According to the head the main export destinations of Ethiopia’s fruits and vegetables among others include European Union member countries, the United Arab Emirates, Somalia, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Sudan.

Hailu noted the Agency has been registering growth in its year to year performance ever since its establishment 10 years ago. According to him, Ethiopia’s horticulture export performance during the last fiscal year was USD 245 million, which is a six percent increase when compared to the year before it.

He also stated this year’s six months performance has surpassed by 7.2 percent the amount the country generated during the same period last year.

"Demand for Ethiopian horticultural products has increased significantly in the global market and the country's foreign currency earnings from the sector have grown in tandem," Hailu told AA.

Source: World Bulletin