Horticulture Research Strategy 2016-2030.

This Horticulture Research Strategy is a 15-year nationwide sectoral document aiming at achieving the Government goal of utilizing the potentials of vegetable crops by developing the vegetable sub-sector through a long term research program. The ultimate goal of the development of this sub-sector is to enhance food and nutritional security and income of all actors in the value chain and supply of raw-material for agro-industries. Therefore the purpose of the Strategy is to identify, analyze and prioritize research gaps in the different crops sub-sector and thereby generate sustainable need based technologies, information and knowledge that increase productivity and quality of the products for local and export markets. For this reason, research in agriculture is an important element in the alleviation of poverty. Research leads towards higher levels of productivity and increasing incomes for both rural and growing urban populations. These improvements can lead to better health through better nutrition and improved local economies and services.
Ths Strategy deals with different types of crops made possible by the favorable agro-ecological conditions, they are (i) cool season vegetables; (ii) enset; (iii) potato; (iv) root crops; (v) sub-tropical fruits; (vi) temperate fruits; (vii) tropical fruits; and (viii) warm season vegetables.
For each crop, the following thematic research areas are considered by the Strategy (i) breeding and genetics; (ii) agronomy and crop physiology; (iii) soil and water management; (iv) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and agrometeorology; (v) technology multiplication and seed research; (vi) agricultural economics, extension and gender; (vii) agricultural mechanization; (viii) agricultural quality and nutrition research laboratory; and (ix) capacity building.