A survey commissioned by the Addis Chamber revealed that fruit productivity needs serious revision.
Ethiopia’s favorable climatic conditions including suitable soil resources are the most important components, that are easily available to start business.
Ethiopia’ proximity to the Mideast and the Gulf States, gives rise to wider market access , where there is growing demand for fresh fruit, said resource person, TamratTaddele.
He , however, said that there are several challenges in all the value chains of fruit business, starting from small holding farmers to processors and to that of consumers.
Lack of production and productivity, lack skilled manpower, poor packaging, cold storages facilities are some to mention.
Illegal marketing system ruled by the middlemen is also heavily affecting the sector, that could draw a huge return to the country.
Poor coordination of public agencies inn supporting value chains an actors is also policy challenge.
The survey also accounted that public regulatory agencies are not acting fast enough to the nature of urgencies while exporting fruits , despite the sector bears the risk of perishing and contamination.
In addition to the natural blessings, customs exemption and tax holidays incentives are positives steps taken by the government said Tamrat, adding that shortage of foreign currency is still unabated challenges keeping our fruit performance poor.
survey however suggested there is an urgent need for government attention and administrative support to enhance the fruit sector, government agencies related to the sector have enhance their coordination and periodic attention in line with fruit harvest and export seasons.
The government has introduce a marketing policy that outcast brokers from the value chains.
The study also called for the introduction of land leasing to small holding farmers in order transform fruit production in to modern and large scale farming in order to l boost the export performance of the country.