The horticulture sector has experienced a decline in foreign exchange earnings this year, with a decrease of USD 123 million compared to the previous year, according to Minister of Agriculture Girma Amente.

The Minister reported that this year's horticulture exports generated USD 535 million, down from USD 658 million last year. Despite being the second-largest foreign exchange earner after coffee, the sector continues to face numerous challenges. To address these issues, a national horticulture draft guideline is being prepared.

Among horticultural exports, flowers hold the highest income priority, while fruit exports have generated less than USD 100 million. Although Ethiopia has significant potential in horticulture, the sector suffers from limited financial investment, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of market information. Additionally, there are delays in transferring land to developers in various regions, further hindering the sector's growth.

The Ministry of Agriculture aimed to generate USD 741.8 million in the fiscal year from the export of 351,030,031.71 kg of flowers, vegetables, and fruits.

Source: Sheger FM 102.1

Additional source: 2Merkato Archives