Ethiopia has initiated the daily import of up to 10,000 metric tons of Afar fertiliser, a significant move aimed at ensuring food security and improving crop yields across the nation.
This operation is pivotal in addressing the agricultural sector’s dependency on vital nutrients for successful farming.
The Maritime and Transit Service, the key agency overseeing this critical initiative, has confirmed that it is actively transporting large quantities of this essential fertiliser each day.
This comprehensive logistics plan was set into motion at the request of Mustafa Gelato, who has emphasised the urgency and importance of efficient imports to support Ethiopia's agricultural ambitions.
In total, this year, Ethiopia is projected to import a staggering 2.4 million metric tons of Afar fertiliser, signalling an unprecedented commitment to enhancing the country's farming capabilities.
The significant daily haul of 10,000 metric tons underscores the government’s proactive approach to solving the pressing needs of the agricultural sector.
To ensure the seamless importation of this fertiliser, Sirak Menberu, the head of the Djibouti Unimodal Ethiopian Maritime Transport and Logistics Service, has established a specialised operational committee.
This committee is tasked with streamlining the logistics, guaranteeing that the much-needed fertiliser arrives efficiently at the port in Djibouti, which serves as a critical entry point for imports.
Their efforts are designed to minimise delays and optimise the supply chain, ensuring that farmers have timely access to the essential nutrients their crops require.
Furthermore, the Djibouti Modal Department is playing an instrumental role in facilitating the transportation process. They are harnessing multiple transport modalities, including railways, to expedite the movement of fertiliser from the port to various locations across Ethiopia.
The integration of railways into this logistics framework represents a strategic effort to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, which are vital for the sustainability of these agriculture-focused imports.
Additionally, it has been announced that dry ports within Ethiopia will commence providing transportation services to private warehouses, starting tomorrow. This development is expected to further streamline the distribution of fertiliser, ensuring that it reaches farmers promptly.
The collaboration between maritime services and local transport networks highlights a cohesive strategy aimed at fostering agricultural resilience in Ethiopia.
It was noted that as Ethiopia continues to ramp up its fertiliser imports, the government demonstrates its commitment to supporting local farmers and enhancing food production.
This initiative not only reflects an understanding of the critical role that fertilisers play in agriculture but also illustrates a determined effort to overcome obstacles that have historically hindered agricultural growth in the region.
With these developments, Ethiopia is poised to significantly improve its agricultural output, paving the way for a more food-secure future, FBC reported.