Ethiopia (Haramaya University) Haramaya University Provides Improved Wheat Seeds to Farmers
Haramaya University distributed one thousand quintals of improved seeds worth 6.1 million birr through East Hararghe Zone Office of Agriculture at a handover ceremony conducted on November 7, 2022.
The improved seeds will be multiplied in eight districts by farmers organized in clusters on 1,000 hectares of irrigated land, it was indicated.
Haramaya University has been supporting the national irrigation based wheat grain production initiative since 2020 through research, provision of improved seeds for multiplication, training, technical backstopping, and market linkage facilitation for farmers who produce quality seeds.
According to Dr Tesfaye Lemma, Haramaya University’s Vice President for Research Affairs, timely availability of adequate quantity of appropriate and quality seeds is one of the critical factors for the success and sustainability of the wheat initiative.
Accordingly, Haramaya University has been working in partnership with East Hararghe Zone Office of Agriculture to support farmers who are able and willing to produce quality seeds for local market in addition to grain production.
At least 30,000 quintals of quality declared seeds will be harvested to meet zonal wheat seeds demand for the next season. Moreover, the support will increase income of the direct beneficiaries, reduce seeds’ supply shortage, and stimulate local seed business development.
Ato Getahun Nigatu, Head of Zonal Agricultural Office, expressed his gratitude to the University for continuous technical and material supports to wheat and other related initiatives. On his part, Ato Getahun, promised to own the initiative, provide coordinated support and to conduct regular follow up for effective implementation on the ground.
Different woreda agricultural office heads extended their appreciation to Haramaya University and its leadership for all rounded supports to the surrounding communities.
By: Shemsedin Mohammed
Photographet: Tewodros Lishan
PIRD