Asmara — The Ministry of Agriculture stated that the past 20 years were crucial as reliable infrastructure facilities had been laid in them for sustainable development of the agricultural sector. It made the statement in elaboration of a paper presented regarding the sector at the Second National Investment Conference.

Mr. Solomon Haile, Director of planning and statistics in the Ministry, explained that construction and establishment of water reservoirs, training centers, laboratories, nurseries, Gene Bank, hatchery and apicultural lab, as well as purchase of various machineries are among the accomplishments registered to this end. He further indicated that more areas of the country's land have been put under cultivation through irrigation techniques and rain-fed farming vis-à-vis the endeavors being exerted to raise the number of livestock.

Pointing out that major achievements have been made in promoting crop production, animal husbandry and processing of agricultural products, Mr. Solomon called on nationals to become beneficiaries of the sizable opportunities in this regard. Moreover, he disclosed that the Ministry has mapped out short and long-term plans with a view to supplementing the national economy and ventures towards ensuring food security through enhancing labor system, fostering production for export and local consumption, as well as creating job opportunities, among others.