Ministry Partners with Private Co. to Provide Improved Seeds

Mar 2 , 2024

Nearly 4,000 farmers in the drought and conflict-affected areas of Amhara and Tigray regional states are set to get improved seeds as German chemical manufacturing giant BASF has joined forces with SNV Netherlands Development Organisation and the Ministry of Agriculture.

Envisaged to cover nearly 371hct of land, the seeds will be delivered through SNV's extensive network of farmer field schools in 147 Weredas across the country.

Ben Depraetere, country head of BASF's vegetable seeds business in Ethiopia, highlighted the necessity to reinstate regular farming practices in the two regional states, which have faced disruptions due to escalating conflicts and prolonged drought. BASF has been operating in Ethiopia since 1966, maintaining a trade representative office in Addis Abeba to coordinate customer needs across various industry segments. Its affiliate, Nuneheim, initiated seed exports from high-tech greenhouses in Amhara Regional State three years ago.

Ben commended the success of SNV's 2,000 farmer field schools, noting a 34pc increase in yield and a 43pc rise in household income for nearly 80,000 farmers.

Julie Graham, SNV Ethiopia's country director, stressed the significance of providing seeds with extended shelf lives, disease resistance, and enhanced marketability to put forth substantial improvements in agricultural livelihoods. This collaborative effort aims to contribute to the recovery and development of the affected regions, fostering resilience in the face of challenging environmental and socio-economic conditions.