Addis Ababa, 02 October, 2015(WIC) – The Ministry of Agriculture says it is going to implement soil fertility based fertilizer use to boost production and productivity in the sector.
Speaking on a consultation forum on the outcome of the first GTP and on the focuses of the second GTP, Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Tefera Deribew, said the Ministry has tailored a new strategy to use fertilizers based on fertility and other characters of soils in different areas of the country.
Tefera reminded that the same fertilizer is previously used in all soil types and the Ministry has prepared a national soil fertility map that can enable to use different fertilizers on different soil types to fill the gap.
The Minstry has started to implement this strategy since last rainy season and new fertilizers are introduced during this farming season in addition to the commonly used DAP and UREA fertilizers, he noted.
“During the second GTP period farmers shall produce high value crop both in terms of amount and quality. Horticulture and animal farming shall be given special emphasis by engaging both subsistence farmers and private investors,” Tefera underscored.
According to the Minister, supply of new agricultural technologies, strengthening technology transfer, supporting those who can produce and multiply technologies, providing adequate trainings and consultations that can enable farmers to efficiently use technologies, timely supply of improved seeds and fertilizers, and crop disease prevention shall be among the priorities the sector will be engaged in.