Ethiopia earned more than $117 million from the export of livestock products during the first 11 months of the current fiscal year, according to Dr. Asrat Tera, Director General of the Ethiopian Livestock Development Institute.
Ethiopia generates foreign currency by processing and exporting various livestock products and by-products to international markets. Speaking to the state news agency Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), Dr. Asrat stated that efforts to improve livestock productivity are being strengthened so that the country can better benefit from its vast livestock resources and increase foreign exchange earnings.
He noted that the institute is expanding and modernizing liquid nitrogen production centers, which play a key role in improving livestock breeds.
As a result, exports of livestock products and by-products generated more than $117 million during the first 11 months of the fiscal year. This represents an increase of $6 million compared to the same period last year.
Among the exported products, sheep and goat meat, as well as various slaughter by-products, accounted for the largest share.
Dr. Asrat explained that the major destinations for Ethiopian meat exports include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, while exports are also supplied to several African countries.
Dr. Chekol Dems, an Animal Health and Reproduction Researcher at the Debre Birhan Agricultural Research Center under the Amhara Agricultural Research Institute, said that citizens engaged in the livestock sector are being provided with adequate knowledge and training in animal husbandry science to improve productivity.
He added that the research center provides research-based support to ensure that improved sheep breeds and dairy cattle bulls receive proper care and management.
Dr. Nahom Belay, an Animal Health Improvement Researcher at the Arba Minch Agricultural Research Center, stated that the Yelemat Tirufat Program has produced encouraging results in promoting livestock development.
He emphasized that professionals in the sector should continue applying their knowledge and experience to further advance livestock development and achieve even better results in the future.
