On December 28, 2024, a Farmers’ Field Day was held at Ifa Oromia FTC, and Haramaya University bringing together farmers, researchers, and officials from Haramaya University, Maya City, and the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR).
The event highlighted advanced agricultural technologies, emphasizing the integration of productive and resilient forage grasses into farming systems to improve livestock production and enhance climate resilience.
“This project aims to enhance the availability and accessibility of livestock feed, ultimately increasing livestock productivity in the target areas of Maya City, Kersa, and Kombolcha,” explained Mr. Dargo Kebede, a lecturer at Haramaya University and the project’s coordinator. This initiative is a collaboration between Haramaya University, the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). It emphasizes the production and use of lime grass as a key element in improving livestock feeding practices.
“Recognizing the critical importance of animal feed production, Haramaya University remains committed to making improved fodder varieties readily available to farmers,” stated Mr. Kemal Kasim, Director of Community Engagement and Industry Linkage at Haramaya University.
Dr. Abdi Mohammed, Vice President for Administration and Development at Haramaya University, highlighted the university’s dedication to serving the community through rigorous research, knowledge dissemination, and the provision of demand-driven community services.
“This field day aligns perfectly with our mission to introduce and disseminate agricultural technologies to local communities, supporting the government’s initiatives to enhance livestock productivity and improve nutrition security,” Dr. Abdi emphasized.
The event provided a platform for knowledge sharing, with researchers and model farmers demonstrating the benefits of improved forage grasses. Participating farmers expressed enthusiasm, recognizing the potential of these grasses to improve animal fattening and overall production. They expressed gratitude for the university’s ongoing support in bringing new technologies to the forefront and expressed hope for continued collaboration in advancing agricultural innovation.
By: – Shemsedin Mohammed
Photographer: – Tewodros Lishan
Haramaya University Public & International Relations Directorate