By admin 
Addis Ababa, May 16, 2025 (ENA)– The ‘Bounty of the Basket’ (Ye Lemat Tirufat) initiative is enabling Ethiopia to unlock the potential of its significant, previously underutilized livestock and fisheries resources, Ministry of Agriculture has reported.
Introduced in November 2022 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, ‘The Bounty of the Basket’ is a national initiative launched by the government with the objective of increasing the output of dairy products, poultry, eggs, honey, fish, and meat across the country.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to transform Ethiopia’s agricultural sector and enhance its role in ensuring food security, nutrition, and job creation.
In an exclusive interview with ENA, Kedir Lubango, Head of the Livestock and Fish Investment and Product Marketing Desk at the Ministry of Agriculture, stated that the government has taken significant steps to harness the country’s livestock and fisheries potential.
The head emphasized that the government has given high priority to these sub-sectors, recognizing their considerable economic and nutritional importance, as well as their potential for job creation.
“As Ethiopia boasts a rich variety of ecosystems, it also hosts the continent’s largest population of livestock. Globally, it stands as the fifth-largest country for both goats and sheep,” he pointed out.
He emphasized that since the launch of the initiative, tangible progress has been made. Although it was dominated by small-holders previously, the livestock and fisheries sectors are now embracing more organized, clustered farming models.
As reported by the official, newly formed clusters like milk villages, honey villages, and poultry hubs have been set up. This initiative facilitates efficient infrastructure development and resource allocation, thereby greatly enhancing productivity and boosting investment opportunities.
To further support the sector, the government has introduced a range of incentives for investors which include duty-free importation of inputs, tax holidays ranging from three to five years, and support in accessing markets, he added.
In addition, the newly launched Ethiopian Livestock and Fisheries Investment Handbook offer both domestic and foreign investors comprehensive information about the sector’s opportunities, potential, and incentives, he emphasized, noting the handbook aims to encourage greater private sector participation in livestock and fisheries.
The Agricultural Production Contract Proclamation, passed two years ago, is another critical step in linking livestock producers with slaughterhouse companies, he stated.
Highlighting the critical part this sector plays in achieving the nation’s goal of food self-sufficiency and enhancing equitable access to nutritious meals for its citizens, he pointed out that although significant progress has been made in increasing wheat output, both the livestock and fisheries industries are being prioritized as essential components of agricultural advancement.
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