Ethiopia earned USD 408.2 million from the export of horticultural products over the past ten months, according to Minister of Agriculture Addisu Arega.

During the period, the country exported 236,415 tons of horticultural products, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The revenue was generated against an annual target of USD 600 million for the sector.

The Minister made the remarks during a visit to banana clusters and lemon production sites in Adami Tulu Gido Kombolcha Woreda, East Shewa Zone, as well as flower production farms in Batu City.

Addisu said the government is giving increased attention to the horticulture sector as part of broader efforts to expand agricultural production and export earnings. He also noted that a national avocado development program has been launched to increase the production of fruits and vegetables, particularly avocado.

The horticulture sector is expected to contribute to food and nutrition security, supply raw materials for agro-processing industries, create employment opportunities, and generate foreign exchange.

Horticulture development is also among the priority sub-sectors identified under Ethiopia’s ten-year agricultural master plan.

Source: Fana BC