PM Abiy says Ethiopia produced 1.5 billion quintals of agricultural output in historic fiscal year

Addis Ababa, July 3, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has announced that Ethiopia produced a remarkable 1.5 billion quintals of agricultural products in the current fiscal year, marking a 24.7 percent increase compared to the previous year, during his address to the 42nd regular session of the House of People’s Representatives.

Describing this year as one of “unprecedented victories” in Ethiopia’s history, the Prime Minister highlighted agriculture as the backbone of the country’s economy and a key driver of its 8.4 percent projected economic growth amid global challenges.

“Ethiopia’s agricultural sector remains the foundation of our economy and a vital source of foreign currency,” PM Abiy said. “A large portion of our population depends on agriculture directly or indirectly, making its growth crucial for national development.”

He explained that despite the troubled global economic environment, with sub-Saharan Africa projected to grow by 3.8 percent and external aid to the continent declining by 7 percent, Ethiopia has maintained strong growth through focused reforms and investments.

According to the Prime Minister, the government has cultivated 31.8 million hectares of land this year, with irrigation playing a pivotal role. Six new irrigation dams, expected to cultivate 84,000 hectares, will be commissioned in the next two months, alongside over 100 planned irrigation projects nationwide aimed at boosting productivity and climate resilience.

The expansion of agricultural mechanization and adoption of new technologies have also contributed to the sector’s success, with irrigated wheat production and improvements in animal husbandry, dairy, fishery, apiculture, and artificial insemination registering notable results.

PM Abiy praised the country’s agricultural professionals for their dedication and impact, emphasizing that these advances have significantly supported Ethiopia’s GDP growth.

The Prime Minister also highlighted progress in reducing food aid dependency, noting that the number of citizens relying on the national safety net program has fallen from 27 million to 4 million, demonstrating increased self-sufficiency and resilience.

He framed these achievements within the context of Ethiopia’s ongoing homegrown macroeconomic reform, which seeks to address critical challenges including macroeconomic imbalances, limited private sector productivity, and lack of competitiveness.

“We initiated the reform with the goal of bridging gaps in our politics, economy, and social sectors without destroying what has been built,” PM Abiy said. “Our approach balances domestic potential with global realities.”

Continuing his remarks, the Prime Minister called on all stakeholders to continue supporting the national development agenda aimed at ensuring food sovereignty and sustainable economic growth.