Efforts to boost agricultural productivity in the Gambella Regional State are showing promising signs, potentially paving the way for the region to break free from dependency and contribute significantly to national food security. This assessment comes from the FDRE House of People’s Representatives’ Standing Committee on Agriculture Affairs after an oversight visit to the region.
The Standing Committee members, led by Lubaba Seid, observed firsthand the ongoing agricultural development initiatives in Gambella.
Speaking after the visit, Lubaba emphasised the government’s strong focus on the agricultural sector, highlighting continuous efforts to enhance both production volume and efficiency. These efforts include expanding the variety of crops cultivated and ensuring farmers have access to essential agricultural inputs, such as improved seeds and fertilisers.
"Gambella Region possesses considerable untapped potential within the agricultural sector. It's accelerated development will be a vital asset in our national plan to achieve self-sufficiency and overcome dependency on external sources,” Lubaba stated.
She expressed optimism about the progress made in Gambella, emphasising the region's potential to contribute substantially to national food production.
Etagegn Eshetu, another member of the Standing Committee, echoed Lubaba's sentiments, noting the encouraging strides being made towards ensuring food sovereignty and reducing reliance on external aid.
"Our field observations confirmed that if Gambella's agricultural potential is properly harnessed, it can be a valuable resource for the entire country," she asserted.
Dagim Mlashin, Deputy Head of the Regional Agriculture and Natural Resources Development Bureau, provided further details about the agricultural advancements in the region.
He stated that plans were in place to cultivate over 172,000 hectares of land during this year's harvest season, with most of the target area already seeded. The Bureau projects a harvest exceeding 5 million quintals of crops from the cultivated land.
This ambitious target reflects the region's commitment to maximising its agricultural output and contributing to the national goal of food self-sufficiency.
The Standing Committee's positive assessment underscores the importance of continued investment and support for the agricultural sector in Gambella, ensuring that it can realise its full potential as a vital contributor to Ethiopia's economic development, according to ENA.