Gov’t encourages investors engaged in value-added agricultural product export: State Minister

Addis Ababa, April 30 (WIC) - Agriculture State Minister Wondyirad Mandefro said government would offer incentives for investors engaged in value added agriculture products export.

Speaking at the inauguration of modern expansion abattoir by Elfora Agro Industry in Metehara town on Saturday, the state minister said government has set to enhance value added livestock products.

The state minister said government is working closely with stakeholders to make efficient the livestock processing until market destination.

He said the study has been finalized to harness the potential of animal resource in pastoralists’ areas of the country.

Government has designed a supportive package for investors engaged in meat processing in Somali State which has immense sheep and goat resource, he said.

The minister said modern abattoirs are only found in Mojo and Bisheftu towns and another abattoir is to be opened in Borena Zone Oromia State soon.

The Metehara abattoir would help enhance the amount of export meet and make competitive in global markets.

MIDROC Ethiopia Chief Executive Officer Dr. Arega Yirdaw on his part said the abattoir would help boost the export trade in the sector.

He said the modern abattoirs in Metehara and Bishoftu have got international recognition including, the Middle East.

According to Elfora Agro-Industry Manager Zeleke Mengistu, the abattoir can supply 18 tons of sheep and goats meat at a time for the market.

The abattoir will have the capacity to supply 16 tons of meat a month and is expected to generate 12 million US dollars a year, he said.

The abattoir needs 360,000 sheep and goats a year for its export and offers potential market for the local people. Upon going fully operational, the abattoir would create 200 jobs.