Ethiopia prioritizes digital agriculture, testing Ethio-Seed Platform

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture has announced its commitment to prioritize digital agriculture, with plans to begin testing the Ethiopian Seed Platform (ESP) later this year.

The Ministry of Agriculture has announced its commitment to prioritize digital agriculture, with plans to begin testing the Ethiopian Seed Platform (ESP) later this year.

Minister of Agriculture, Girma Amente emphasized that digitalizing the agricultural sector is a key priority, with full implementation of the Ethiopian Seed Platform expected in the coming years.

In collaboration with the Ethiopian Seed Platform, the Ministry hosted a discussion forum for regional and national seed coordination committees in Adama on Saturday. 

During his opening remarks, the Minister acknowledged the ambitious goal set last year to double improved seed production from 1 to 2 million quintals. However, he pointed out that this increase alone was insufficient to meet the growing demand.

He highlighted the importance of stakeholder ownership in driving the transformation of the seed sector and urged regional bureaus to provide timely seed data to both national and regional committees for effective decision-making.

″The government is committed to prioritizing agricultural digitalization,″ the minister stated. ″We will pilot the Ethiopian Seed Platform this year, with full implementation planned for subsequent years.″

He also encouraged participants to actively engage in the discussions and collaborate for improved outcomes.

Mohammed Hassena, Project Manager at the Ethiopian Seed Platform, highlighted the sector’s ongoing challenges, advocating for stronger coordination within the seed sector through increased high-level engagement. 

Karta Kaskie from the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research reported that 69 percent of this year’s target, exceeding 1.3 million quintals of improved seed production, has been achieved.

Input Lead Executive Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Mengistu Tesfa also provided an update on a seed sector platform, developed in collaboration with Addis Ababa University and funded by various partners, which is nearing handover.