Philanthropist Artist Meseret Mebrate

Philanthropist Artist Meseret Mebrate.

???? "Believe me, we were forced to buy the fertilizer for 3,600 birr this year for 8,400 birr" - Farmers

➡️ "The price of fertilizer has increased in connection with economic reforms" - Sidama Region Agriculture Office

Farmers of Sidama region told Tikvah Ethiopia that they were unable to buy fertilizer and the best seed corn at high prices.

What do the complainants say in detail?

"Believe me, the price of one quintal of fertilizer (DAP) was 3,600 birr. But this year, it was 8,400. Amna, the price of one plot of the best seed corn, which was 1,800 birr, was 4,600 birr this year. This is only paid for corn.

When we buy corn, we have to pay 1,500 Birr for the construction of a prosperous house, 1,000 Birr for printing, 3,000 Birr for taxes, 300 Birr for the Prosperity Party contribution, and 200 Birr for the Red Cross.

In general, a farmer is forced to spend more than 10,000 thousand birr for one plot of best seed corn. 

Therefore, the farmers of Shamana district, which is known for producing maize on a large scale, will find it difficult to produce maize this year.

Tikvah Ethiopia has asked the Sidama Region Agriculture Bureau to respond to the farmers' complaints.

What did the head of the office Mr. Memru Moke answer?

"In connection with the economic reform, the price of fertilizer has increased. We have not increased anything, only transport. Therefore, there is no price, the price we announced."

It's the same as others, but it hasn't started broadcasting yet. They informed us formally by letter because they will enter first. It is national.

There were about 4,000 on Amna. Currently, it goes from 7,500 - 8,000 Birr, including transport.

Yes, corn increases in the same way. Production cost increases regularly. It won't be where it is.

So, for example, the price of a tractor increases every year considering the price of fuel. There is an increase. It is not a problem because we offer it as a country, unless it is with another country.

For example, fuel, labor for farming with a tractor. Last year and this year will not be the same. There are some extras because of that.

Fertilizer comes from outside the country, so we cannot price it. The government subsidized it. According to the government, the price of one quintal of fertilizer is 12 thousand Birr before subsidy. 

It has been reduced by the subsidy and it has come down to that. 4,000 per quintal is a subsidy," he told Tikvah Ethiopia.