Farmers in other regions such as Oromia and Sidama are equally desperate about lack of supply, delays in distribution, and the widespread illicit fertilizer trade. The crops planted in the area require excessive fertilizer and planting without fertilizer will significantly reduce the yield, he said. Likewise, shortage of fertilizer supply has become a bottleneck to farmers in Borana zone, who are returning to farming after a severe drought that lasted throughout five consecutive farming seasons. As of 09 June, with only one week remaining before the end maize planting period, the region didn’t receive 21,000 quitals of UREA fertilizer it required. He further shared his concerns that the current shortage of fertilizer supply may result in reduced production, exposing the struggling economy to further damages.

Source: Ethiopian News July 07, 2023 16:38 UTC