Addis Ababa: Highlighting the remarkable strides made in Ethiopia's agricultural sector, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has emphasized the government's commitment to enhance productivity and address food security challenges. In his response to questions posed by the 36th regular session of the House of People's Representatives today, the prime minister reported a significant increase in crop production. "Last (Ethiopian Fiscal year"), we produced 395 million quintals of crops as a country. This year, we have reached 507 million quintals. In just one year, we've added 100 million quintals. This is a huge victory," he noted. Yet productivity must increase further, Abiy stressed, adding that because that country has everything needed --- water, manpower, and fertile land. So, "if we produce more, we can reduce the cost of living." The PM, who highlighted remarkable progress in specific agricultural areas, stated that "honey production has grown more than sevenfold," he noted. "When we began the reform, 30,000 be ehives per year were considered a great achievement. This year, we've reached one million hives." Also, the government has made significant efforts to expand irrigation and cluster farming, he noted, elaborating that expansion of wheat cultivation last year was on about 3 million hectares and this year over 24 million hectares, including wheat. According to Abiy, these improvements have positioned Ethiopia as a leader in several agricultural sectors. "Ethiopia now ranks first in Africa in coffee production. We're also first in wheat production, livestock, and honey production," he revealed. With respect to the government's efforts to support farmers and manage inflation, the premier stated that the government has provided substantial subsidies on fertilizers and fuel and allowed certain food items to be imported with tax relief. As a result, inflation has decreased from 30 percent to 23. Looking to the future, the PM expressed optimism about further growth in areas such as fruit, rice, and tea productio n. According to him, activities are underway to make Ethiopia the first in Africa in the production of vegetables and fruits, rice and tea in the next two years. He further emphasized the importance of continuing to improve agricultural practices and mindsets, stating, "If we continue modernizing our work culture, changing our thinking, and improving our productivity in this way, we can achieve growth." Stressing the importance of agricultural achievements for Ethiopia's food sovereignty, Abiy said if the country produces additional 100 million quintals this year, Ethiopia's food sovereignty issue will be placed on a more secure foundation. These developments mark a significant step forward in Ethiopia's agricultural sector, promising improved food security and economic growth for the nation. Source: Ethiopian News Agency