Addis ababa: Participants of the 2nd UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake visited the Melkassa Agricultural Research Center (MARC) on Sunday, highlighting its potential as a model for agricultural innovation across Africa.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Baeng Nelson Ntime from the Botswana Ministry of Agriculture emphasized the importance of African countries emulating Ethiopia's agricultural advancements. He noted that the Melkassa Agricultural Research Center exemplifies Ethiopia's commitment to enhancing agricultural production and productivity through scientific research aimed at ensuring food security.
Melkassa Agricultural Research Centre (MARC) is part of the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) and is recognized as a leading center for agricultural innovation. The center has developed over 1,600 climate-resilient crop varieties, showcasing Ethiopia's leadership in agricultural research and sustainable food systems. Ntime expressed the importance of African nations visiting and learning from the center's achievements.
The research facility focuses on developing climate-smart technologies for tropical and sub-tropical fruit crops, as well as warm-season vegetable and lowland pulse crops, aligning with global efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The center's work is crucial in the fight against climate change, offering solutions for increasing crop productivity and food security.
Ntime underscored the potential benefits for Botswana's national research institute by learning from Melkassa's innovations, especially in developing climate-resilient crop varieties. Ethiopia is currently hosting the 2nd UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake, showcasing its agricultural sector's achievements to a global audience.