The South West Ethiopia Coffee, Tea, and Spices Authority has announced that over 41,000tns of spices were supplied to the central market in the first nine months of the current fiscal year, reflecting the region’s growing role in the country's spice economy. The region is cultivating spices on more than 90,000 hectares of land, with major contributions coming from turmeric, cardamom, ginger, and black pepper. For the full fiscal year, the authority aims to supply more than 56,000tns of spice products to the market. Director General Asrat Mekuria said the region continues to build on past successes. In 2016, spice production nearly hit its target, with 53,911tns collected against a goal of 54,366tns, a 99pc achievement rate and a 10,811tns increase from 2015. To boost both yield and quality, the authority is working closely with research institutes and the Authority. Mekuria said recent reforms, including the introduction of a legal framework for spice marketing, have begun to formalise trade and improve transparency in transactions. He added that the establishment of dedicated spice marketing centres across the region is now underway, intended to strengthen the value chain and expand market access for local producers.

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