Ethiopia has secured more than 200 million USD from the export of horticultural crops in the last ten months (July 2011-April 2012).

Ethiopian Horticulture Development Agency (EHDA) Director General Haileselassie Tekie said that the country earned the hard currency from the export of 1.7 billion flower stems and 103.8 thousand tons of vegetables, fruits and herbs. More than 160 million USD was obtained from the export of flower while the balance was secured from the sale of vegetables, fruits and herbs to the global market. 

The foreign currency the country generated from the sector in the stated period has increased by 20 per cent in revenue compared to last year same period.

The Netherlands, Germany, England, France, Norway, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Italy, Lebanon are among the major recipients of Ethiopian horticultural crops.

Rose, summer flower, cutting, and other ornamental plants like lilly and Erangium are the major flowers varieties that are being exported. Strawberry, Black berry, Organic Banana, Pine apple, Snow peas, Green Beans, Egg plant, Chives and Rosemary are among the fruits, vegetables and herbs the country exported the international market.

More than 110 companies have been operating in Ethiopia in the horticulture sector. Of which over 80 of them are working in the floriculture sector and the remaining are engaged in the development of fruits, vegetables and herbs.

Some 350,000 compatriots have now benefitted from the export horticulture sector directly and indirectly, it was stated.

Source: This news article was prepared and sent to 2merkato.com by Mekonnen Hailu, Ethiopian Horticulture Development Agency (EHDA)'s senior communication expert.