In Oromia State, Ethiopia, the agriculture sector is witnessing an upsurge in avocado production and exportation efforts. The Oromia State Agriculture Bureau has set an ambitious export target of 1,200 tons of avocados for the 2024/25 fiscal year. Currently, efforts to penetrate markets in the Middle East and neighboring countries are intensifying. Despite an initial export goal of 100 tons for the current fiscal year, exports to Europe have already reached 61 tons.
Recent data indicates that the region produced 290,000 tons of avocados, with cultivation spanning 30,145 hectares out of a potential 55,112 hectares. This follows the previous year's production volume of 650,000 tons. To support this growth, the bureau has initiated the planting of 20 million avocado saplings, with 12.5 million already in the ground since June. This initiative has involved 1,751 clusters across 185 woredas in 21 zones, engaging thousands in avocado development activities.
To overcome challenges such as input shortages and skill gaps, the bureau is engaging with various stakeholders and has rolled out training programs aimed at enhancing production and value-chain development for farmers and exporters. These measures are designed to improve productivity and prepare the market for increased export volumes.
Source: 2Merkato