Tuesday, 29 November 2011 Ethiopian ministries of Mine, Agriculture and Industry are conducting a study to develop a national soil fertility map in collaboration with the Agriculture Transformation Agency.
The national soil fertility map is part of the plans to enhance agricultural productivity set out by the Ministry of Agriculture. The plans prioritize replenishing soil fertility and a more cautious use of fertilizers.
The map is expected to identify soil fertility in different areas said Takalign Mamo, advisor to the State Minister of MoA.
Fertilizer application per hectare of land is higher in Ethiopia than in other African countries but productivity is lower because fertilizer use is not determined soil or crop types according to Takalign.
The ATA is responsible for raising the funds required for this project according to Khalid Bomba CEO of ATA. The agency is approaching international organizations for financing he explained.
The implementation of the year long mapping process is being overseen by a steering committee made of representatives of all involved parties.
In related news the Ministry of Agriculture said that it is seeking alternative fertilizers with a more diverse blend than the commonly used urea and Dap fertilizers utilized in Ethiopia.
The ministry of mines is expected to identify minerals available in the country to be used in blended fertilizer manufacture while the ministry of Industry is to set up a fertilizer blending plant it was said.
A Soil Test Based Fertilizer Recommendation Service has been introduced by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Source: Ethiopian Herald
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