Ethiopia launches national plan to lift sorghum output amid falling harvests
The government wants to raise production, support farmers, and meet rising local demand.
ETHIOPIA – Ethiopia has launched a national programme to increase sorghum production as output continues to fall and demand rises across food and feed markets.
The Ministry of Agriculture introduced the plan during a validation workshop held on March 24 in Addis Ababa. Farmers, researchers, and development partners attended the meeting and helped shape how the programme will run.
Addisu Arega, Minister of Agriculture, said the government will focus on better seeds and wider use of modern farming tools. “By investing in improved seeds and new technologies, this plan aims to support food supply and economic growth through import substitution, with strong links to the beverage and poultry sectors,” he said.
Officials have not yet shared the programme’s budget or timeline.
Sorghum remains a key crop in Ethiopia, alongside maize, wheat, and teff. Many households depend on it for daily meals, especially in dry areas where other crops struggle.
However, production has declined in recent years. Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization shows output fell from 5.63 million tonnes in 2020 to about 4.1 million tonnes in 2024. This marks a drop of about 27 percent over five years.
The United States Department of Agriculture expects production to stay near 4 million tonnes in 2025 and 2026.
Several factors have driven this decline. Farmers face limited access to improved seeds, frequent drought, pest attacks, and conflict in key regions such as Tigray, Oromia, and Amhara.
The USDA also points to the spread of Striga weed as a major issue. “Research shows that Striga infestation remains one of the main constraints, with yield losses that often exceed 30 percent,” the agency noted.
Demand rises across food and feed sectors
Despite the drop in supply, demand for sorghum continues to grow. Many households use it to prepare injera, porridge, and boiled grains. Producers also use it to make local drinks such as tella and areke.
Beyond food, sorghum is gaining ground in animal feed and small-scale processing. Companies now use it to produce flour, snacks, and baby food.
The USDA notes that feed demand is rising fast. “Its use in animal feed is expanding, with strong potential to support the growing poultry sector,” the report states.
Sorghum also plays a key role in food security. It can grow in dry conditions with about 250 millimetres of water per year, far less than crops like maize. This makes it a reliable option in drought-prone areas.
With this new programme, the government aims to reverse the decline and support both farmers and local industries that depend on the crop.
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