Ethiopia Generates Over $216 Million from Horticultural Exports
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Addis Ababa, Jan 5 (NationPress) Ethiopia has successfully generated more than $216 million from the export of horticultural products during the initial five months of the ongoing fiscal year, as reported by the nation's Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration.
This East African nation exported 39,225 tonnes of flowers to global markets, which accounted for over $186 million in earnings in the first five months of the current Ethiopian 2024/2025 fiscal year, commencing on July 8. Flower exports contributed the largest portion of the total revenue from horticultural exports during this timeframe, as highlighted in a statement released by the ministry on Friday.
Additionally, the country exported 71,305 tonnes of fruits and vegetables, yielding in excess of $30 million.
The ministry identified the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom as the top three destinations for Ethiopia's flower exports, whereas Somalia, Djibouti, and the Netherlands ranked as the primary destinations for vegetable exports.
Recent statistics from the ministry indicate that Ethiopia has amassed approximately $2.63 billion in export revenue during the first five months of the current fiscal year, bolstered by robust performance in key agricultural exports, according to Xinhua news agency.
Horticulture represents a branch of agriculture focused on the science and technology involved in the production, enhancement, and consumption of crops, including vegetables, fruits, spices, condiments, herbs, and both aromatic and ornamental plants.
To achieve optimal agricultural outcomes, these crops necessitate careful management, attention, and protection throughout various stages such as planting, growth, harvesting, packaging, storage, and processing. Plants can be impacted by various diseases, including viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, which can lead to substantial losses and declines in agricultural yield.
As fruits and vegetables provide critical nutrients necessary for our daily energy needs, the management of plant nutrition and disease has been a significant area of interest for many years. To mitigate and prevent considerable economic losses, efforts to control pathogens and develop new crop varieties resistant to diseases have been extensively pursued through genetic engineering, chemical pesticides, and insecticides.
These measures are essential to enhance growth, strengthen immunity, and avert diseases in horticultural crops. Such agrochemicals are cost-effective, exhibit a broad range of action, and are straightforward to apply. This has resulted in improved plant defenses and a significant decline in endemic diseases, thereby leading to increased yields that contribute to economic advancement.
