Opening a national consultative workshop on agricultural investment, State Minister of MoARD, Dr. Abera Deressa said that supporting investors in the agricultural sector and focusing on producing marketable crops should be given the primary attention so as to ensure speedy economic development in the country.       

According to the State Minister, close to 9,000 investors engaged in agriculture activities have contribute to the successive economic growth.       

Dr. Abera also indicated that the investors are engaged in production of cotton, sesame, coffee and tea, fruit and vegetable as well as grazing land development.    

Though the private sector has succeeded in strengthening the export trade a lot remains to be done as compared to the size of land provided to investors engaged in the agricultural sector.    

Agricultural investment work process director with the Ministry, Isayas Kebede on his part said the ministry is undertaking various activities in order to enhance productivity of the investors.   

He also indicated that over 2.7 million hectares of land is identified in the SNNP and Benishangul-Gumuz states for agricultural investment adding that the identification and allotment of land plot for agricultural investment will also be strengthened in the future.     

The two-day workshop held in Bisheftu town was attended by participants drawn from the federal and states agricultural offices as well as investment agencies.