Ethiopia’s Wheat Irrigation Program: A Path to Food Sovereignty
Addis Ababa, December 26, 2025 – Ethiopia’s innovative approach towards summer irrigation wheat farming is making significant strides in the country’s quest for food sovereignty. With millions of hectares cultivated, the Ministry of Agriculture reports that production targets are consistently rising.
Expansion of Irrigation-Based Wheat Farming
The Crop Development Lead Executive Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Esayas Lema, underscored that the irrigation wheat initiative has surpassed its initial goals in both land coverage and overall yield. For the 2025/2026 production year, approximately 2.7 million hectares have been cultivated with irrigated wheat, a remarkable growth from the program’s humble beginnings.
Historical Insights
Initially launched as a pilot project in the Ethiopian calendar of 2011, the program started with just 3,500 hectares but has now evolved into a comprehensive national initiative, aiming to cover 4.2 million hectares. “This expansion has significantly increased production, allowing Ethiopia to meet domestic demands and even participate in the international export market,” stated Esayas.
Production Goals and Achievements
The summer irrigation season is projected to yield around 175 million quintals of wheat, solidifying Ethiopia’s position as a major wheat producer in the region. Currently, 2.7 million hectares have been sown with wheat seeds, and harvesting has already concluded on 3.1 million hectares.
Infrastructure and Support
Ethiopia is enhancing irrigation-based farming through essential infrastructure development, ensuring timely delivery of fertilizers, and providing improved seed varieties. This concerted effort is crucial for sustaining the momentum of the program, highlighting the nation’s commitment to achieving food sovereignty.
Farmer Experiences and Community Impact
The impact of the irrigation program is evident in various regions, especially in the North Shewa Zone of the Oromia Region, where farmers are reaping the benefits of mechanized irrigation techniques. One farmer, Sisay Desta, spoke of how government support has revolutionized his production capacity, stating, “The assistance we receive has transformed our output and reduced labor challenges.”
Technical Guidance and Support
Another farmer, Getu Desalegn, emphasized the importance of technical guidance in improving crop production. “The professional support from agricultural development experts, particularly in mechanization and distribution methods, is making our crop production and harvesting more effective,” he noted.
Previous Production Trends
The Office of the Prime Minister reported a significant surge in national wheat production during the 2023/2024 harvesting period. Smallholder farmers cultivated 3.6 million hectares, yielding 123 million quintals, while irrigated land alone produced 107.7 million quintals. The overall wheat production for that period reached a staggering 230 million quintals.
National Commitment to Food Security
On November 18, 2024, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted the need to accelerate the nationwide wheat harvest and prepare for the upcoming summer cultivation by stating, “We must expedite this process through collaboration; we have a bountiful harvest this year.”
Conclusion
Ethiopia’s summer irrigation wheat program reflects a significant commitment to food sovereignty and agricultural sustainability. The ongoing investment in infrastructure, along with targeted support for farmers, underscores a national strategy aimed at not only meeting domestic food needs but also bolstering the economy through exports. As this initiative grows, it offers hope for a more self-sufficient and food-secure Ethiopia.
For more information on agricultural advancements in Ethiopia, visit the Ministry of Agriculture.
