Ethiopia is Producing Surplus Wheat for Export After Drive to Boost Output
- Agriculture minister sees production rising by 27% this season
- Import substitution saved nation $1 billion foreign exchange
Wheat harvesting in Ethiopia.
Photographer: Eduardo Soteras/AFP/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
A government drive to boost Ethiopian wheat production is expected to result in a 27% increase in output this season, enabling the Horn of Africa nation to export the grain.
Economic reforms by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government include a planting campaign to wean the country off imports. The efforts have borne fruit and Ethiopia didn’t import wheat in the fiscal year ended July, helping save $1 billion in foreign exchange, according to Agriculture Minister Girma Amente.