The Ministry of Agriculture has acknowledged ongoing challenges in fertilizer supply, even as its officials laud progress in productivity.
Speaking at a press briefing on April 2, 2026, State Minister for Agriculture and Horticulture Development, Meles Mekonnen (PhD), said fertilizer provision has faced sustained pressure since the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by global conflicts, including the Russia–Ukraine war and tensions in the Gulf.
Responding to questions from the media, Meles noted that previous fertilizer procurement systems were prone to delays, often disrupting seasonal agricultural activities. He said reforms have since been introduced, allowing the government to procure fertilizer whenever it becomes available on the global market, despite price fluctuations.
“Purchases are now made in advance of peak seasonal demand,” he said, adding that Ethiopia has secured 2.1 million metric tons of fertilizer and remains resilient amid ongoing global uncertainties.
He told the media that around 21 million quintals of fertilizer are in stock, including supplies at port and those already distributed inland. He added that the country’s annual fertilizer consumption typically ranges between 15 and 16 million quintals.
Meles also highlighted logistical adjustments in response to fuel shortages, noting that alternative transport methods, including rail, are being utilized to ease pressure on road freight.
Despite these supply-side challenges, the Ministry reported that 90 percent of the planned 4.2 million hectares for the Belg cropping season has been covered. Farmers have so far cultivated 3.8 million hectares, bringing the country close to its seasonal target, according to official reports.
The State Minister said both short-term and long-term measures are being pursued to address fertilizer constraints, including the development of a domestic fertilizer production plant aimed at reducing reliance on imports.
Meles attributed the progress in cultivation partly to favorable weather conditions and improved coordination with the National Meteorology Agency. Early forecasts indicating adequate rainfall in key producing areas enabled farmers to prepare land and plant crops in a timely manner, he said.
He also emphasized the government’s wheat development initiative, which seeks to reduce import dependence and position Ethiopia as a potential wheat exporter. While acknowledging skepticism surrounding the country’s export ambitions, Meles said Ethiopia has significant untapped capacity to scale up production.
He outlined four key pillars guiding wheat and broader crop production efforts: expansion of irrigated summer cultivation, increased production during the belg and meher seasons, improved vertisol water management, and treatment of acidic soils.
Providing historical context, Meles noted that when summer irrigated wheat production began in 2019, only 3,500 hectares were cultivated, yielding about 100,000 quintals. Since then, coverage and output have grown significantly due to expanded training, awareness, and technical support.
For the current year, 4.2 million hectares were planned for summer wheat irrigation, with 3.78 million hectares achieved so far. Harvesting is underway, with production expected to reach 175 million quintals.
He contrasted this with earlier reliance on rain-fed agriculture, which he said delivered limited results. In 2019, about 1.75 million hectares produced 48 million quintals. By the 2025 meher season, cultivated land had expanded to 4.46 million hectares, yielding 162 million quintals. The same level of coverage is planned for the 2026 Meher season.
Meles attributed these gains to policy reforms, revised strategies, and new agricultural programs introduced in recent years. He added that these initiatives have been supported by government funding and development partners, alongside updates to the agriculture and rural development policy and revisions to the country’s ten-year strategic plan under the Homegrown Economic Reform agenda.
