by PressEthiopia’s domestic wheat production is growing
Ethiopia’s domestic wheat production will reduce imports
Wheat is one of the most important agricultural products in the world. Consumption is growing steadily, and most countries are making efforts to increase cultivation. Ethiopia has made some progress in this area, with domestic wheat production growing steadily.
FAS analysts forecast that the African country’s crop will increase by 5%. This should exceed 6.5 million tonnes, setting a new record for Ethiopia.
Local producers have achieved this thanks to various measures, including:
— increasing the area under wheat cultivation;
— improving production approaches;
— introducing new tools for cultivation and fertilisation.
Higher yields are helping to reduce grain imports. It is expected that wheat purchases on the world market will decrease by 24% in the 2025-2026 season. The estimated volume of imports is 1.3 million tonnes.
Government incentives have played an important role in boosting productivity. The authorities are interested in improving food security and reducing grain purchases.
Meanwhile, demand for wheat in the country remains strong. The main consumers are mills and food producers. Currently, most of their raw materials are imported, and this situation will not change in the short term. Ethiopia is currently unable to meet the domestic market’s needs with its own resources. The current situation is as follows:
— analysts estimate the country’s needs at almost 8 million tonnes of wheat;
— compared to the previous year, consumption will grow by 3%;
— active urbanisation is contributing to the increase, with annual growth rates of 5%;
— the country is also characterised by a stable increase in population – about 3% per year.
Another factor contributing to demand growth is changing dietary habits. An increasing number of people, particularly in urban areas, are incorporating processed grain products such as pasta, bread, and baked goods into their diet.
Steps for food security
In 2024, the Ethiopian government launched a major initiative to boost wheat production. The African Development Bank and experts from India joined them. A total of US$95 million was invested in the programme.
As part of the project, Indian scientists shared their expertise with their Ethiopian counterparts. The latter were interested in ways to ensure high grain yields in a hot climate. The scientists studied new technologies and the potential for incorporating modern equipment into agricultural processes.
Ethiopian farmers paid special attention to expanding cultivated areas. Irrigated lands in the Afar and Oromia regions are crucial for wheat cultivation in Ethiopia. A new technology is being developed for these regions in collaboration with Indian experts. This technology will help to increase yields in times of drought and utilise water resources more efficiently.