The Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) has announced the release of improved seed varieties aimed at significantly boosting crop yields across the country, underscoring its central role in advancing agricultural productivity.
EIAR Director General Prof. Nigussie Dechassa highlighted the institute’s efforts in developing and disseminating improved hybrid seeds, noting that sustained research has been focused on key staple and cash crops, including maize, wheat, barley, potato, and coffee.
Prof. Nigussie emphasized that the institute’s work is delivering tangible results in farm productivity. “These improved seeds have been instrumental in increasing yields per hectare,” he said.
He pointed to maize as a clear example of the gains achieved, with yields rising from 45 quintals per hectare to between 80 and 90 quintals when farmers adopt EIAR’s hybrid varieties.
Comparable progress has been recorded in wheat production. The seeds currently in use nationwide were developed by the institute, and with ten improved varieties now available, average yields have climbed to 36 quintals per hectare, with peak outputs reaching 80 quintals, up from 14–15 quintals two decades ago.
In the barley subsector, EIAR has released twelve hybrid varieties, helping to meet domestic demand for malt and reduce the country’s dependence on imports.
The institute has also made notable strides in potato production, introducing 45 new seed varieties. These have nearly doubled average yields from 120 quintals to 230 quintals per hectare.
Prof. Nigussie stressed the strategic importance of such gains, noting that potatoes, like other staple crops, play a critical role in strengthening Ethiopia’s food sovereignty.
