Melkassa Research Center
History: Melkassa Agricultural Research Center (MARC) was established in 1969 as a national horticulture research center with staff members of five personneland land area not exceeding five hectares. Over the years, other important research programs and commodities have been included in the research programthat contributed to improved rainfed and irrigated agricultural development with a main focus on dry and lowland areas of moisture stress and irrigable areas of the country.
Total Area: 275ha
Establishment year: 1969
Location (Latitude/longitude): 8º24’N and 39º21’E
Agro-ecological zones (AEZs): Arid to semi-arid
Altitutde: 1550 m.a.s.l
Temperature (min/max): 14ºC and 28.4ºC
Rainfall: 763 mm
Length of growing period (LGP):3-6 months
Soil type: Andosol of volcanic origin with pH ranging from 7 to 8.2.
Coordination Role:Sorghum, Low land Pulses, Lowland Maize, Horticulture (Vegetable and Tropical Fruits), Sericulture, Climate and Geospatial, Agricultural Mechanization, Water shade Management.
Distance from Addis Ababa: 117 km
Address:
Melkassa Agricultural Research Center
Tel: (+251) -222-2502121/222-250214
Fax: (+251)- 222-250213/20
P.O.Box: 436
Oromia Region
