Semera, September 21, 2026 (Ministry of Agriculture) The Second Ethiopian International Date Palm Festival, currently taking place in Semera City, Afar Regional State, continued on its second day with presentations and discussions focused on advancing date palm production and productivity as a means of enhancing food security, income generation, and employment opportunities.
The forum brought together experts, researchers, development partners, investors, and other stakeholders to deliberate on key issues related to the development of Ethiopiaโs date palm sector. Discussions centered on boosting production and productivity, strengthening market linkages, expanding investment opportunities, and promoting research and innovation in date palm cultivation.
Addressing participants, Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Secretary General of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, described the festival as an important platform for exchanging experiences, knowledge, and best practices in date palm development. He stressed the importance of effectively utilizing the vast potential of the Afar Region to enhance date palm productivity and accelerate the growth of the sector.
During the session, Diriba Geleti (PhD), Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), delivered a presentation on Ethiopiaโs efforts to improve date palm production and productivity. His presentation highlighted the status of the sector, major challenges, existing opportunities, and strategic interventions required to support sustainable development.
Dr. Diriba noted that date palm cultivation plays a vital role in strengthening food security and generating household income. He further emphasized that the sector has significant potential to create employment opportunities across the agricultural value chain, underscoring the need for increased research, investment, and coordinated stakeholder engagement.
The festival also featured a presentation by Firew Mekbib (Professor), a researcher at Haramaya University, who outlined Ethiopiaโs 10-Year Date Palm Development Master Plan. He highlighted the country’s substantial potential for expanding date palm cultivation, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas, with the Afar Region identified as one of the most promising locations for sector development.
Following the presentations, participants engaged in an extensive discussion on ways to enhance date palm production and productivity, improve market access, attract investment, and address challenges affecting the sector. The discussion provided an opportunity for experts, researchers, and development partners to exchange ideas and propose recommendations for unlocking the full potential of date palm development in Ethiopia.
Participants reaffirmed the importance of strengthening collaboration among relevant stakeholders to promote date palm cultivation as a strategic crop capable of contributing to food security, income generation, job creation, and sustainable agricultural development.
