Addis Ababa: Ethiopia has shown significant progress in the agricultural sector, FAO Ethiopia Representative and Sub-Regional Coordinator Zimudzi said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, FAO representative in Ethiopia and Sub-Regional Coordinator for Eastern Africa, Farayi Zimudzi, said the government is making commendable strides in making agriculture both productive and inclusive. In this regard, she highlighted key national programs such as 'Ye Lemat Tirufat' (Bounty of Basket) that focuses on critical value chains, including honey, milk, fishery, aquaculture, and egg production. Such initiatives are vital for food and nutrition security, and central to FAO's mission, Zimudzi added. "Among the key national strategy programs, 'Ye Lemat Tirufat' (Bounty of Basket) initiative within the livestock sector stands out," the representative noted, adding that "this program focuses on vital value chains, including honey, milk, fisheries, aquaculture, and egg production. These areas are crucial for both food security and nutrition security which are central to FAO's mission." Ethiopia's agricultural sector has indeed demonstrated remarkable progress in recent years, driven by various government initiatives aimed at transforming the sector. These concerted efforts have effectively positioned the country for sustained growth and development in agriculture. According to Zimudzi, Ethiopia's wheat program, which aims to boost cereal production for both domestic consumption and export, play a vital role for the nation. "From FAO's perspective, the initiatives are both crucial and strategically significant. For instance, the wheat program, which aims to boost cereal production for both domestic consumption and export, plays a vital role for the nation. Combining this with the micronutrient-rich value chains of 'Ye Lemat Tirufat' program demonstrates what can be achieved with political will and commitment. These efforts are excellent examples of what is possible when there is dedication to advancing agricultural prio rities." Furthermore, the FAO representative stressed the importance of a holistic approach to agri-food systems, pointing out that it is essential not only to focus on production but also to invest in processing and value addition, She also underscored FAO's role in supporting Ethiopia with policy development and managing post-harvest losses, ensuring that farmers can fully utilize their produce in terms of quality and quantity. "Our collaboration has been pivotal in shaping the policy environment for agriculture and rural development." Touching upon the recent National Investment Forum that FAO supported, Zimudzi stated that the forum was a pivotal step in attracting investment and energizing Ethiopia's agriculture sector. The representative further emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration to translate forum discussions into concrete investments with a focus on climate-smart practices and employment generation. For Zimudzi, these are exciting times for Ethiopia's agriculture. 'With continued coo peration, I am confident that Ethiopia will lead in building a vibrant, sustainable, and climate-resilient agricultural sector for the entire region.' The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN has been a longstanding partner of Ethiopia, offering extensive policy support and implementation since the country joined it as a founding member in 1945. Source: Ethiopian News Agency