October 31, 2024
EIAR, Addis Ababa
Avocado feasibility and suitability study, consultation, and validation session were held at EIAR’s Hiruy
Hall. In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Abdella Negash, Lead Executive for Horticulture Development at the
Ministry of Agriculture, stated that avocado is one of the most important horticultural products for
increasing local consumption and export earnings. He also stated that the Prime Minister, Dr. Abiy
Ahmed places a high value on avocados among his initiatives.
Dr. Diriba Geleti, DDG of EIAR, stated in his introductory remarks that avocado is one of the vital
commodities included in the new agriculture and rural development program, which helps significantly
to food security and green legacy. He also underscored that avocado is one of the most significant
export commodities to excel in the future.
Dr. Mekonnen Sime, the Avocado Feasibility and Suitability Study Technical Team Coordinator, noted
that the workshop’s objective was to gather constructive feedback from stakeholders and validate the
feasibility and suitability of avocado study findings before submitting to MoA as per the assignment
given.
Next, various papers headed “Introduction and survey results, technical and economic feasibility, social
and environmental impacts, risks, implementation plan and deliverables, and consolidating findings and
recommendations” were presented, followed by extensive debates and reflections.
Finally, in his closing remarks, Professor Nigussie Dechassa, Director General of EIAR, emphasized that
avocado is a food, a cosmetic, and a means of employment development, so it is critical to address the
current high avocado fruit losses and map stakeholders with their roles and responsibilities along the
value chain. He added that avocado tissue culture technologies and policy briefs for policymakers should
also be included in the document.