South Ethiopian bananas set to enter Middle Eastern markets

The South Ethiopia Regional State is preparing to export bananas to Middle Eastern markets, according to Haliemariam Tesfaye, Head of the State's Agricultural Bureau. Efforts are also focused on increasing banana exports to neighboring countries, including Sudan, Somalia, and Djibouti.

With 113,000 hectares dedicated to banana farming, the region's favorable climate has supported significant production. Over the past five months, 15.8 million quintals of bananas have been harvested, with an annual target of 35 million quintals.

To improve productivity and align with market standards, the state is distributing high-quality banana seedlings to farmers. Model farmers working in specialized fields have achieved yields of up to 500 quintals per hectare. Organic bananas meeting export-grade standards are grown across all 12 zones in the region, with Gamo, Wolayta, and South Omo zones leading in cultivation.

source: 2merkato.com

photo: freshproducemea.com