Quality standards were given to the Moringa tea and powder by the Ethiopian Standards Institute (IES) considering its significance on rural livelihoods. Yilma Mengistu, development director, suggested that granting standards will go a long way in promoting the value chain of Moringa, which is one of the least traded edible items despite joining in a diet of several communities across the country. She highlighted the nutritional and health benefits of moringa and its potential to be a valid source of income for rural households. State Minister for Trade & Regional Integration Endale Mekonen suggested that the commercial appeal would be significantly increased through quality standards during the workshop at the Institute's headquarters near Gerji Mebrat Hail, revealing that up to 60pc of moringa was being lost in the post-harvest process. Stakeholders from the supply chain attended the workshop. Aurelia Clabro, director of UNIDO Regional Hub, outlined an ongoing four million euro project in the Southern Regional State, targeting women to power through the sale of Moringa.

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