EIAR, June 30, 2025, Adama
The national lowland pulse research program—Melkassa (MARC)—held a consultation workshop on quality common bean seed production in sustainable demand-based grain supply with the theme of “Collaboration approach for strengthening bean seed system” in Adama, which was attended by concerned stakeholders.
Mrs. Dagmawit Tsegaye, program coordinator for common bean research at the Melkassa Agriculture Research Center, said creating links among seed producers, investors, and exporters to enhance engagement of multiple stakeholders/partners is critically targeted so that strategic leadership in variety development regarding market landscape and segmentation, demand-led
research, and coordinated innovation as a role of national programs in R&D coordination could be attained.
Mrs. Dagmawit enthusiastically announces that this workshop marks the release of the new bean variety named Awash 3. It is very effective in its category, retaining all features and nutritional worth.
Dr. Amare Fufa, Director of the Melkassa Agricultural Research Center, emphasized in his welcoming speech that the common bean is more than just a food source; it is also a land treatment. Dr. Amare added that the workshop is critical to maximizing our future value.
In his opening remark, Professor Nigussie Dechassa, director general of EIAR, explained that in recent years, our focus has sharpened toward demand-led approaches, working closely with stakeholders to ensure our research doesn’t stay on shelves but instead shapes livelihoods across the country. He highlighted that bean exports have increased more than fivefold compared to a
decade ago. Over 80 high-performing bean varieties have been released—some adapted to drought, others bred for market-preferred traits. Common beans are now a top source of foreign exchange among legumes and a critical part of food security for millions of Ethiopians. Professor Nigussie also underscored that the workshop is about alignment on how to better coordinate our
efforts across research, extension, trade, policy, and farmer networks to unlock even greater value from this remarkable crop.
The workshop features presentations by partners from the CIAT-PABRA side. Mr. Jeanclaude Rubyogo, Alliance-CIAT Bean Program Leader and Director of PABRA, emphasized that Ethiopia’s bean program is a continental leader and called for further advancement to surpass the current productivity level of 1.7 t/ha. The workshop also addressed partners’ upcoming season
plans and their respective demands, with a focus on seeking technical support from the program, as well as exploring further collaboration and shared responsibilities across the bean value chain.