Asmara — The Hamelmalo College of Agriculture yesterday graduated 289 students who had been trained in different disciplines of agriculture in degree and diploma.

In the speech he delivered at the graduation ceremony, the Dean of the College, Dr. Semere Amlesom stated that graduating students had been studying in 11 different agricultural fields of which 113 had completed a degree program while 176 had studied at diploma level. He further pointed out that the college is striving to produce skilled professionals in the field of agriculture and called on the students to play their due role in the ongoing efforts to achieve food security.

Present in the graduation ceremony, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Arefaine Berhe said that the government has allocated substantial funds to train and produce competent and skilled youth that will play a determinant role in the nation-building process. Furthermore, he called on the graduates to use their acquired skills in serving the interests of their country and people.

Graduating its second batch of students since opening in 2005, the College of Hamelmalo is at present training 1,200 students and will soon start a master's program.