Encouraging outcome was registered in efforts to boost fruits and vegetables, as well as crops both in terms of quality and quantity, according to experts in the Agriculture Ministry's branch in Gash-Barka region.

They noted the strenuous efforts exerted to expand land cultivation, upgrade quality of seeds and fruits and vegetables in a bid to reactivate previously poor agricultural undertakings. Crop harvest also continues to gain momentum from year to year, they added.

They explained that fruits and vegetables farming that was limited to about 1,100 hectares in Agordat, Tessenei, Dige, Shambuko, Tekombia and Omhajer has increased to over 8,700 hectares in the post-independence period.

Also in line with endeavors to raise crop harvest, a number of seeds have been introduced that are making due contribution in boosting crop harvest. Accordingly, land cultivation has increased from 96,000 hectares to 250,000 hectares with significant growth in grain harvest.

The experts further pointed out that annual output of fruits and vegetables has raised to 2.5 million quintals and that endeavors would be stepped up to expand irrigation farming.