The National Agricultural Research Centre of the Ministry of Agriculture (NARC) held its annual activity assessment meeting on 10 January
At the meeting, a report was presented focusing on the conservation and reconstruction of genetic resources; research on water; soil and fertilisers; as well as forestry resource, improvement of strategic crops, biotechnology, improvement of livestock genes, in addition to agricultural engineering and achievement so far registered.
Tsegay Berhane, head of the centre, pointed out that the preservation of indigenous livestock breeds, development of disease-resistant crops, vegetables, and fruits through tissue culture, as well as supply of improved crops seeds were among the programmes that were provided due attention in 2022.
Tsegay further noted that the improved crops seeds that have been distributed to farmers have registered encouraging results, with research and processing being conducted on alternative animal fodder and imitative being taken to identify select chickens for cross-breeding.
The participants conducted extensive discussion on the report presented and adopted various recommendations including on price increase on fodder technology as well as for reinforced research on improved vegetables and fruits seeds.
In his closing remarks, Minister of Agriculture, Arefaine Berhe, indicated that NARC was conducting encouraging research activities, and due attention would be provided to the development of the human resources of the centre.
