History

Melkassa Agricultural Research Center (MARC) was established in 1969 as a national horticulture research center with staff large enough to fit into one residential building, one Volkswagen and land area not exceeding five hectares. But today it has expanded to cover various researches in crops natural resource and other related applied research and extension activities that contributed to improved rain fed and irrigated agricultural development with main focus in the dry land belt.

Total area:
Establishment year: 1969 G.C
Location (Lat/long): 8º24’N 39º21’E
Agro Ecology zones (AEZs): 
Altitude: 1550 m 

Climate

Temperature (min/max)- 21.6ºc min 28.5ºc max
Rainfall: 796 mm
Length of growing period (LGP):3-6 months
Soil type: Andosol of volcanic origin with ph ranging 7 to 8.2
Center of Excellence: Tropical Fruits
Distance from Addis Ababa: 107 km
Address: Melkassa Agricultural Research Center
Tel: (+251) –222-2502121/222-250214
Fax: (+251)- 222-250213/20
P.O.Box: 436
The center is Located in Oromiya Regional State