Arsi Farmers Benefiting from Supplying Barley for Brewing Factories

Addis Ababa November 22/2024 (ENA)-Farmers in the Arsi Zone have reported significant benefits from supplying barley for beer production to local brewing factories, highlighting their contribution to the national economy and self-reliance efforts.  

A group of media professionals are visiting agricultural production activities in the Oromia Region, specifically in the Arsi Zone. 

The visit, organized by the Government Communication Service, aims to assess the integration of farming clusters and their impact on productivity.  

 

During their field visit to Limu Bilbilo Woreda in the Arsi Zone, the group observed farmers engaged in the cultivation of barley specifically designated for beer production under a cluster farming system. 

These farmers supply their produce directly to the Assela Malt Factory, ensuring a stable market and improved livelihoods.  

Girma Kebede, a barley farmer in the area, stated that the cluster farming arrangement has significantly enhanced productivity and market access. 

He noted that farmers achieve yields of up to 50 quintals per hectare, which they supply directly to the factory. This eliminates market uncertainties and ensures a steady income stream.  

The increased focus on locally sourcing barley aligns with Ethiopia’s broader economic strategy to substitute imports with domestically produced goods. 

The government of Ethiopia is encouraging farmers to produce on a large scale with a view to enhance import substitution and export trade. 

According to officials, the government’s initiative has led to a substantial expansion of barley production, reducing dependency on imported malt barley.  

Arsi Zone Agriculture Bureau Head Gena Mohammed revealed that 177,000 hectares of farmland in the zone are dedicated to barley cultivation, with an anticipated yield of 6.9 million quintals. Harvesting and collection activities are already underway in key areas.  

Moreover, efforts are being made to distribute high-quality barley seeds to farmers nationwide, further enhancing productivity and expanding the reach of malt barley farming in Ethiopia.  

 

Government Communication Service, State Minister of Kebede Desisa, highlighted that Ethiopia has now achieved full self-reliance in malt barley production, a remarkable shift from previous years when the country heavily relied on imports.  

The government’s emphasis on mechanized and cluster farming has resulted in improved productivity, benefiting farmers and contributing to the broader goal of economic sustainability., he added. 

This progress reflects the government’s commitment to creating opportunities for local industries to source raw materials domestically, strengthening Ethiopia’s position in agricultural self-sufficiency.