The Southern Ethiopia Region Agriculture Bureau has announced a highly successful coffee harvest, exceeding expectations for the 2017 fiscal year. A total of 40,904 tons of coffee were supplied to the central market, surpassing the initial target of 34,255 tons. This significant achievement underscores the region's robust coffee production and its contribution to the national economy.

The announcement was made by Merihun Fikru (PhD), the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Dilla Cluster and Head of the Regional Agriculture Bureau, during a review of the year's performance.

Merihun highlighted the positive impact of initiatives designed to benefit coffee farmers, emphasising the efforts to modernise coffee field registration and provide ownership certificates. These measures are crucial in creating a more efficient and productive coffee sector.

The 2016/17 E.C. crop season saw a noticeable improvement in coffee productivity across the region.

The average coffee yield reached 8.26 quintals per hectare, a testament to improved farming techniques and regional support.

Furthermore, model farmers within the region achieved impressive results, with an average yield of 18 quintals per hectare.

The Bureau also confirmed the region’s role in supplying diverse coffee varieties, including the sought-after Yirgachefe sweet coffee, to the central market in considerable quantities. This diverse production helps meet consumer demands and showcases the quality and variety of coffee produced in the Southern Ethiopia Region.

The successful harvest is a major boost for the local economy and a demonstration of the dedication of the region's coffee farmers.

Further investments are planned to support continued growth and excellence in the coffee industry.