Oromia region's agriculture bureau states improved seeds above 2 quintals per hectare are being produced for irrigated farming. This targets the 2018/19 production season, with over 300,000 quintals already produced to date.
Beriso Feyisa, head of Oromia region's agriculture bureau, told Fana Digital that preparations are underway to develop 11 million hectares of irrigated farmland in the region.
Work is ongoing to supply improved seeds yielding above 2 quintals per hectare for the 2018/19 production season. To date, over 300,000 quintals of such seeds have been produced for farmers across all areas of the region. Priority is given to cereal types, with various varieties of improved seeds being developed.
Efforts in kind are being made to deliver improved seeds and other inputs to farmers on time to boost productivity. A regional-level committee has been established to prevent illegal practices that could disrupt seed production, with strict measures in place.
Farmers without guarantees are advised not to use improved seeds whose expiry dates have passed. The bureau urged them to halt such practices when engaging in legal actions.