Ethiopia’s Adami Tulu Research Center enhances kidney bean production for export
ETHIOPIA – The Adami Tulu Agriculture Research Center, based in Ethiopia, has started multiplying improved kidney bean varieties in a move to boost the nation’s agricultural exports.
This initiative aims to meet both domestic consumption and international market demands.
According to Tesfaye Gemechu, the Agriculture Extension Researcher and Coordinator of the Center’s Food System Resilience Program (FSRP), the Center is growing kidney bean seeds that are in high demand, particularly for export.
He explained, “We focus on identifying the best seeds through research and introduce them to farmers in the Adami Tulu area, where kidney beans are widely cultivated.”
The Center is using 10 hectares of land for this project, expecting to produce 200 quintals of kidney beans. These will be distributed to around 800 farmers, with seeds provided on a revolving basis.
“Farmers who participate can receive the seeds without payment, while non-participating farmers may purchase them,” Tesfaye added.
Though irrigation can raise production costs, Tesfaye pointed out that it offers more control over conditions and could lead to higher yields, which could compensate for the additional expenses.
He also mentioned the introduction of a special kidney bean variety from Melkasa, which yields 25 quintals per hectare, even in areas with minimal rainfall.
Yasil Ismai, the Director of the Adami Tulu Research Center, outlined the Center’s diverse activities, including crop protection, natural resource conservation, livestock, and irrigation.
He emphasized the challenges faced in dry areas of the Central Rift Valley, particularly the lack of improved seeds for crops. “We are focusing on grains like sesame, kidney beans, and coriander to fill this gap,” Ismail said.
While kidney beans remain a staple for farmers, second only to corn, Ismai noted that the Center is prioritizing a variety that allows for quick harvesting.
The Center is now using irrigation to help with seed multiplication during the rainy season, when large-scale seed production is not feasible.
The Center is also working on innovative projects in other agricultural sectors. One notable initiative is the local production of disease-free banana seeds through tissue culture, a project that is cutting down the region’s reliance on banana seed imports from India.
“We have multiplied over 200,000 banana seeds, which we’ve provided to farmers. This initiative is crucial in saving foreign currency and improving local banana production,” Ismail explained.
These advancements are part of the FSRP’s broader mission to increase the resilience of Ethiopia’s food systems, helping the country prepare for food insecurity.
The program focuses on developing sustainable agricultural practices, improving seed varieties, and enhancing water use and irrigation systems to help farmers adapt to climate challenges.
Ethiopia’s Adami Tulu Research Center enhances kidney bean production for export
ETHIOPIA – The Adami Tulu Agriculture Research Center, based in Ethiopia, has started multiplying improved kidney bean varieties in a move to boost the nation’s agricultural exports.
This initiative aims to meet both domestic consumption and international market demands.
According to Tesfaye Gemechu, the Agriculture Extension Researcher and Coordinator of the Center’s Food System Resilience Program (FSRP), the Center is growing kidney bean seeds that are in high demand, particularly for export.
He explained, “We focus on identifying the best seeds through research and introduce them to farmers in the Adami Tulu area, where kidney beans are widely cultivated.”
The Center is using 10 hectares of land for this project, expecting to produce 200 quintals of kidney beans. These will be distributed to around 800 farmers, with seeds provided on a revolving basis.
“Farmers who participate can receive the seeds without payment, while non-participating farmers may purchase them,” Tesfaye added.
Though irrigation can raise production costs, Tesfaye pointed out that it offers more control over conditions and could lead to higher yields, which could compensate for the additional expenses.
He also mentioned the introduction of a special kidney bean variety from Melkasa, which yields 25 quintals per hectare, even in areas with minimal rainfall.
Yasil Ismai, the Director of the Adami Tulu Research Center, outlined the Center’s diverse activities, including crop protection, natural resource conservation, livestock, and irrigation.
He emphasized the challenges faced in dry areas of the Central Rift Valley, particularly the lack of improved seeds for crops. “We are focusing on grains like sesame, kidney beans, and coriander to fill this gap,” Ismail said.
While kidney beans remain a staple for farmers, second only to corn, Ismai noted that the Center is prioritizing a variety that allows for quick harvesting.
The Center is now using irrigation to help with seed multiplication during the rainy season, when large-scale seed production is not feasible.
The Center is also working on innovative projects in other agricultural sectors. One notable initiative is the local production of disease-free banana seeds through tissue culture, a project that is cutting down the region’s reliance on banana seed imports from India.
“We have multiplied over 200,000 banana seeds, which we’ve provided to farmers. This initiative is crucial in saving foreign currency and improving local banana production,” Ismail explained.
These advancements are part of the FSRP’s broader mission to increase the resilience of Ethiopia’s food systems, helping the country prepare for food insecurity.
The program focuses on developing sustainable agricultural practices, improving seed varieties, and enhancing water use and irrigation systems to help farmers adapt to climate challenges.