Addis Ababa, 24 November, 2015 (WIC) – Environmental, Forest and Climate Change Ministry said it is strengthening efforts to minimize el-nino effect on seedlings.
Public Relations Directorate Director with the Ministry, Debassu Bayleyegn, told WIC that the Ministry is intensively working to take care of seedlings which were planted during last few years of rainy seasons.
It was noted that 4.3 billion seedlings were planted in July and August of this year.
According to Debassu, due to the effect of El-Nino on seedlings, some of them are stunted on their beds and water harvesting works are being done intensively and compost which can retain water is used seedling beds as well.
He further said that in collaboration with agricultural extension workers the Ministry has provided awareness creation trainings so that farmers can effectively protect seedlings.
Some of the agricultural officers are deployed to Amhara, South, Oromiya and Tigray regions for inspection of further works, he noted. The group will be back after a week and report its inspection outcomes, he added.
Ethiopia expects an eight per cent GDP share from forest resources during the second GTP period, Walta learnt.