Nation to develop 2.5 mln hectares land through irrigation

Addis Ababa, December (WIC) –The Ministry of Agricultureand Rural Development (MoARD) said practical activities have been launched to develop 2.5 million hectares of arable land through irrigation this budget year. Ministry Public Relations Bureau Head, Tarekegn Tsige, told WIC that some 200 million quintals ofagriculturaloutput will be reaped from the irrigation development. He said the irrigation development will be carried out in all states across the nation, including Benshangul Gumuz and Somali states. He said all states are undertaking various activities for the successful realization of the irrigation development since last August. Some 300,000 tonnes of fertilizer and select seed have already been readied for the irrigation development, he said, adding various fruits, vegetables, maize and cereals will be developed. Tarekegn urged leaderships at all level to discharge their responsibilities for the success of the irrigation development. The government has paid prime attention to irrigation development so as to ensure food security and enhance foreign currency from the agriculture sector.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 10 December 2009 )