Addis Ababa: The Somali Region of Ethiopia is making significant strides in rice production, marking a pivotal shift from import dependence to local cultivation, Somali Regional State President, Mustefa Mohammed. This rice production initiative is part of a broader national plan to achieve food self-sufficiency and import substitute paving the way for economic transformation in the country. The first rice production pilot project has been launched in the region by cultivating 300 hectares of land. This initiative, part of a larger 3,000-hectare experimental program, has ignited enthusiasm among farmers and renewed hope within the community, it was learned. Regional Chief Administrator, Mustefa Mohammed emphasized the significance of this project: "The majority of our population relies on rice as a staple food, yet until now, we've been dependent on imports. With our abundant resources - land and water - we've always felt the urge to produce our own rice. What we lacked was knowledge, but now, with substant ial support from the federal government, we've achieved remarkable success." The pilot project's success has paved the way for an ambitious expansion. Plans are already underway to scale up cultivation to 3,000 hectares, with most of the work already in progress. This rapid growth reflects the region's commitment to agricultural development, a focus that has intensified since recent reforms shifted priorities from a predominantly pastoral economy. Regional officials are now setting their sights on attracting both domestic and foreign investors to further scale up the pilot project. "We have a market-ready population," Mustefa stated, "and our goal is to invite investors to take this pilot project to the next level." The success of this initiative is largely attributed to extensive community mobilization efforts. Abdulkadir Iman, Agriculture Bureau Head, explained, "We've engaged communities from the regional level down to individual kebeles. This grassroots approach has ensured widespread acceptance and participation in the project." Government support has been crucial in this endeavor. Farmers have received significant assistance, including tractors on credit, seeds, and fertilizers distributed through local unions. Moreover, the regional government has implemented numerous development projects, including irrigation systems, to support the growth of the agricultural sector. Regional State Irrigation and Basin Development Bureau Head, Mohammed Fatah Mohammed, for his part extended an invitation to investors: "We call upon both local and foreign investors to capitalize on the vast agricultural potential of our region. Ethiopia, particularly the Somali Region, offers extensive arable land. With the government providing all necessary inputs, we encourage diaspora investors to return and participate in our agricultural sector." The rice production initiative is part of a broader national plan to achieve food self-sufficiency. Fatah added, "This project, utilizing the Shabelle River, one of our major water re sources, aims to diversify our crop production beyond traditional maize and sorghum cultivation." As the Somali Region transitions from its initial successful pilot to larger-scale production, the project stands as a testament to the power of local initiative, federal support, and community engagement. This rice production venture not only promises to enhance food security in the region but also opens up new avenues for economic development and investment in Ethiopia's agricultural sector. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other regions in Ethiopia and beyond, demonstrating how targeted agricultural projects can transform local economies and contribute to national food security goals. Abdulhakim Ismail, who returned from displacement due to previous security issues, is now part of a farming association."We've learned not only how to farm but also how to work collaboratively. This project has been profitable and free from losses.", he said. The Somali Region's rice production initi ative represents a significant step towards food self-sufficiency and agricultural development, leveraging local resources and expertise while attracting both domestic and foreign investment. Minister of Agriculture, Girma Amante said that Ethiopia has a vast expanse of land for rice production but unfortunately we are still importing a considerable amount of rice. He added that up to 2022, Ethiopia was producing only 20 per cent of its rice national consumption but was importing 80 per cent from abroad but since last year; the country has managed to produce 50 percent of national rice consumption within the country noting that in two years' time Ethiopia will be able to fully substitute imported rice by producing rice in the country. The irrigated rice production that started in Somali region will be expanded to the regions across the country over time, it was learned. Source: Ethiopian News Agency