MoARD underlines need for efficient utilization of biodiversity resources to beef up agricultural sector
Speaking at the opening of a two-day workshop on the five-year strategic plan of the Institute of Biodiversity Conservation (IBC) today, State Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Abera Deresa, said that bio diversity resources need to be collected and utilized scientifically so as to register a speedy and sustainable growth in the agriculture sector.
The country has won recognition at an international level for the activities it has been undertaking on bio diversity resources, he said, adding that it is essential to utilize biodiversity resources as a means to eradicate poverty following proper check up by research institutes.
Dr. Abera indicated that the strategic plan tabled for discussion today would help to continue bio diversity conservation activities underway in the country in an enhanced manner and thus contribute for the growth of the nation. IBC Director General, Dr. Girma Balcha, on his part said that conserving and efficiently utilizing biodiversity resources would beef up the realization of the agriculture-led industrialization policy and end poverty.
The country is a home to over 8,500 flora and fauna species, he said, adding that the institute has been undertaking various activities to make the resources contribute for the development of the country and betterment of the livelihood of its people.
The five-year strategic plan has been designed to further consolidate these activities and step up the outcomes, Dr. Girma added.
Over 62,000 samples of bio diversity have been collected and kept in gene bank while 79,000 samples utilized for research and development works, it was pointed out.
