Encouraging agricultural development activities in Central Region

Asmara, 15 May 2026- Mr. Asrat Haile, representative of the Department of Agriculture and Land in the Central Region, reported that encouraging agricultural development activities have been carried out in the region over the past years of Independence.

Mr. Asrat went on to say that, in the effort to ensure water supply to the public, 126 water wells have been dug in 84 villages, 59 water reservoirs have been constructed, 209 water distribution centers have been put in place, and 222 km of water pipelines have been installed.

Regarding the development of fish farming, Mr. Asrat said that freshwater fish farming was introduced in 2019, and that currently 11 cooperative associations are actively engaged in fish farming and distribution.

Mr. Asrat also said that, in 1998, about 37 thousand 600 quintals of vegetables were produced from 430 hectares of land, and that in 2025 the figure increased significantly, with over 190 thousand quintals harvested from 1 thousand 313 hectares of land.

The number of dairy cows, which was about 2 thousand in the early years of Independence, has currently increased to 6 thousand, while annual milk production has increased from 2 million to 9 million liters.

Regarding water and soil conservation, Mr. Asrat said that more than 99 thousand km of terraces of various types, as well as over 166 thousand cubic meters of water catchments, have been constructed, and that the number of dams has increased from 52 to 133.

Mr. Asrat also said that the Central Region registers an average annual rainfall of 400 to 600 mm, and that currently 91% of the over 36 thousand hectares of arable land is being cultivated.