Government’s Lime Treatment Plan Stalls
Ethiopia’s ambitious plan to revitalize millions of hectares of acidic soil is facing significant hurdles, primarily due to the unavailability of crucial lime supplies. The Ministry of Agriculture’s decade-long initiative, launched last year, aimed to treat over three million hectares of acidic land, with an initial target of 300,000 hectares in the first year. However, the project has fallen significantly short of its goals.
A key impediment to the plan has been the reluctance of cement factories to produce lime, a crucial ingredient for soil treatment. Despite Ethiopia’s vast lime deposits, the lack of processing facilities and the uncooperative stance of cement industries have left the government scrambling for alternative solutions.
The government had pinned its hopes on the upcoming operations of Lemi Cement, a large-scale cement plant. Once operational, it is expected to trigger a shift in the cement industry, potentially leading other factories to diversify into lime production to remain competitive.
While the government is taking steps to address the soil acidity issue, including plans for a digital agriculture ecosystem and a fertilizer app, the immediate challenge of securing adequate lime supplies remains a major concern. The impact of acidic soil on agricultural productivity cannot be overstated, and its timely treatment is crucial for the country’s food security and economic growth.
As Ethiopia grapples with these challenges, it is clear that a multi-faceted approach, involving government intervention, private sector collaboration, and innovative technological solutions, will be necessary to achieve its ambitious agricultural goals.
