Saudi investors to engage in Alfalfa dev’t in Ethiopia soon

Addis Ababa, December 12, 2016 (FBC) – Saudi Arabia has showed strong interest to run huge investment in the areas of alfalfa, special animal forage, and livestock processing.

A Saudi delegation led by Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Abdulrahman Bin Abdulmushin Alfadhly held talks with pertinent bodies regarding the investment projects.

During talks with the delegation, Farming and Natural Resources Minister Dr. Eyasu Abrha said the Saudi delegation requested 100,000 hectares to invest on alfalfa, and livestock processing endeavor.

Dr. Eyasu highlighted that Ethiopia has envisioned to become lower middle income economy by 2025 realizing inclusive growth and increasing resilience.

He added that GTP II has put agriculture the main driver of the economy stimulating industrial sector development.

The delegation further showed interest to conduct feasibility study on nation’s agro-ecology crucial to implement the project, he said, adding the ministry would avail some three or more options.

Ethiopian Somali has been one of the identified investment areas but investors would take comparative advantages into account such as transportation and land accessibility, he said. “We will also offer additional options within a few weeks.”

He said: “We have already made feasibility studies and open for enrichment by Saudi experts ahead of the project implementation.”

Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute Deputy Director Dr. Adugna Wakjira said his institute has conducted adequate research regarding agro-climatic factor, water and alfalfa select seed varieties.

He added: “Ethiopian Somali, Afar, Southern and Northern Ethiopia are identified conducive for the project. And the technology is well known and feasible in Ethiopia.”

The Saudi Minister Eng. Abdulrahman Bin Abdulmushin Alfadhly said for his part the discussion included ways of implementing alfalfa integrated project. He added: “We have agreed to work together for the next four weeks to establish project feasibility.”

The minister indicated that the Saudi project would be pivotal in creating ample jobs, generating hard currency and improving sector services. Moreover, smallholders would get market for their livestock.

Saudi Arabia has an age-old business-to-business, people-to-people, cultural and religious bonds with Ethiopia while formal diplomatic engagements was established in 1948, it was learnt.