Ethiopia has earned more than USD 117 million from animal product exports during the first 11 months of the fiscal year, according to the Ethiopian Animal Development Institute.

The revenue was generated from the export of processed animal products and by-products to international markets. The performance represents an increase of USD 6 million compared with the same period last year.

The Institute said efforts are being strengthened to improve animal productivity and enable the country to earn higher foreign exchange from its livestock resources. As part of this work, new liquid nitrogen production centers are being expanded, while existing facilities are being upgraded to support animal breed improvement.

Sheep and goat meat, along with slaughter by-products, were among the major export items during the period. The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar were identified as the main destinations for Ethiopian meat exports, while animal products are also being supplied to African markets.

Research and development activities are also being carried out to improve productivity in the livestock sector. These efforts include providing animal husbandry knowledge to producers, supporting the proper care and growth of improved sheep breeds and cattle bulls, and promoting research-based livestock management practices.

The Lemat Tirufat program was also cited as one of the initiatives contributing to livestock development. The program is expected to support productivity gains and strengthen Ethiopia’s animal resource development efforts.

Sector experts have emphasized the need to apply research, field experience and improved production practices more effectively in order to achieve better results in the future.

The latest export performance highlights the growing role of animal products in Ethiopia’s foreign exchange earnings and reflects ongoing efforts to modernize livestock production, expand market access and improve the competitiveness of the sector.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency