Addis Ababa, 24 November, 2015(WIC) – The Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) says it has supplied over 3,000 improved agricultural technologies and recommendations in the last 50 years.
Research Integration communication and patent right protection director with the Institute, Feseha Zegeye, told WIC that the Institute has introduced improved agricultural technologies that enable to ensure food security , increase production of industrial inputs , substitute imported agricultural items and foster exports of agricultural products.
Fiseha noted the Institute conducts agricultural researches to produce and introduce improved agricultural varieties of crops, livestock, and anti disease and pests, best agricultural practices and findings that benefit the farmers of the country.
The Institute had so far released over 1,100 improved crop varieties in the last 50 years, said Fisseha. The newly introduced varieties have significantly contributed for overall growth and agricultural productivity of the nation, he underscored.
Currently, the Ethiopian government has given due attention to support agricultural research activities, Fisseha noted. Utilization of released varieties by the farmers has increased from time to time, he added.
The Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural research (EIAR) is established in 1966 G.C and is now celebrating its 50th anniversary through different programs since last August.
EIAR has undertook scientific research activities focusing on crops , animals, soil and water, bio-technology , agricultural equipments, weather conditions and agricultural economics fields, Walta learnt .