Mendefera — During his visit to the Southern Region on September 2 & 3, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Arefaine Berhe, called on the farming community there to exert strenuous efforts so as to boost agricultural output.

He said that the already cultivated crops are in promising conditions in all sub-zones of the region as a result of the framers' endeavors and the good rainy season.

In his course of his visit, the Minister observed the water diversion scheme projects in Che'alo-Hadadm and Shiro River, crops in the Hazemo plains and the Serha area, Obel and Gezadingur, and Mai-Cha'ede and Meraguz during which he received briefings from the sub-regional administrators and agricultural experts.

The administrator of Serha semi-urban area, Mr. Kebede Tesfamichael said that the cultivated farm areas are in good condition owing to the continuous public campaigns undertaken, and that the remaining task would be accomplished in the same manner.

Reports disclosed that millet, groundnuts and sesame seeds have been sown in sub-zones of Areza, Maimine in the region this year.