AMN PLUS-February 23/ 2026
While inspecting development activities in the Bilate area of Sidama Regional State, Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed said the once barren land has now been transformed into a fertile fruit-producing hub.
The Prime Minister described the milestone as clear evidence that human determination and hard work can positively transform nature. Recalling his visit to the area three years ago, the Prime Minister commended the remarkable progress achieved within relatively short period. Currently, hundreds of hectares of land are being developed through irrigation, with orange, lemon, banana, papaya, sugarcane, and avocado are among the crops under cultivation.
The progress witnessed in the region, the Prime Minister noted, is not limited to agriculture but is also generating positive outcomes in other sectors. Abiy stated that poultry farming has increased from 4 million to 15 million over the past three years, highlighting the significant expansion of the “Bounty of the Basket” program.
Emphasizing the importance of strengthening ongoing efforts to free Ethiopia from poverty and dependency, the Prime Minister underscored that integrating agriculture, industry, urban development, and rural corridor initiatives is key to achieving national prosperity.
The Prime Minister further noted that the transformation of local industries into export-oriented enterprises offers great hope.
Sustaining and building upon these promising beginnings, he concluded, will serve as vital pillars in realizing “the Ethiopia we aspire to see.”
By Leta Teresa
