Haikota, 3 February 2012 – Efforts are underway in Haikota sub-zone to boost agricultural production and develop irrigation farming, stated Mr. Hamed Yosuf, the Administrator.
At a meeting he conducted with the inhabitants, the Administrator said that emphasis would be given this year to the construction of terraces, embankments, water diversion schemes in Hashekit and Balkai, besides expanding reserve lands.
He indicated that drip irrigation over 40 hectares in Alebu at a cost of about 20 million Nakfa was undertaken by the Agriculture Ministry in collaboration with partners, which has been allotted to 160 farmers.
Moreover, Mr. Hamed indicated that 126 farmers in the sub-zone have managed to cultivate about 3,000 hectares, and that they have supplied more than 260,000 quintals of fruits and vegetables to the market. He also explained that taff cultivation which began last year in a limited scale has now been expanded to 320 hectares.
Likewise, the Administrator of the sub-zone indicated that land has been allotted to over 1,100 nationals, and that preparations are underway to distribute land for business ventures. He also called on parents to enhance their role in education so as to raise female attendance in schools.
The participants of the meeting stressed the need to address electricity and potable water supply problems as early as possible.