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Ethiopia to Launch Mobile Laboratories to Boost Crop Yields

Feb 04, 2026 107

Ethiopia is set to deploy a fleet of mobile laboratories across the country in a strategic move to transform its agricultural productivity. During an address to Parliament on Tuesday, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) told lawmakers that building fertilizer factories is no longer sufficient on its own; instead, the government will use mobile technology to scientifically match specific soil types with the correct seeds and nutrients.

The Prime Minister observed that Ethiopian farmers have traditionally used uniform fertilizer types across vast and diverse landscapes. He described this "one-size-fits-all" approach as unscientific and a primary cause of low yields. To modernize the sector, Dr.Abiy announced that the government is collaborating with international partners to roll out these laboratories to every corner of the nation.

Once deployed, the mobile units will conduct on-site soil testing to analyze local earth composition, identify the precise fertilizer blends required for specific crops, and calculate the exact quantities needed for maximum efficiency.

Government officials expect agricultural output to increase several times over once the program becomes fully operational. Dr.Abiy urged a focus on continuous improvement, warning that while recent progress is encouraging, the country must not become complacent or distracted by early successes.