Ethiopia targets 27% increase in wheat output through expansion of irrigated areas

Ethiopia plans to increase wheat production under its irrigated farming program to 18.9 mln tons in the 2026/27 season, compared to 14.9 mln tons last season. According to the country’s Ministry of Agriculture, the cultivated area will expand to 4.5 mln ha from 3.78 mln ha a year earlier. The new planting campaign is scheduled to begin in November 2026.

According to Teshome Geletu, Lead Executive Officer for Crop Development at the Ministry, the irrigated wheat program has become one of the main drivers of domestic grain production growth. The development of irrigation systems has enabled farmers to harvest up to three crops per year, including in lowland regions previously considered unsuitable for wheat cultivation.

The program has expanded rapidly. Initially covering just 20 thsd ha, irrigated wheat cultivation reached 3.78 mln ha in the 2025/26 season. Production totaled 14.9 mln tons in the previous season, while the new target represents an increase of approximately 27%.

Ethiopia previously spent between $700 mln and $1 bln annually on wheat imports to cover its domestic supply deficit. According to officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, the expansion of irrigated wheat production has allowed the country to eliminate wheat imports and begin developing its export potential.

Further production growth is expected to strengthen the country’s food security and create additional opportunities for Ethiopian wheat to enter international markets. However, achieving the production target will depend on irrigation efficiency, water availability, and the implementation of the new planting campaign.

Tags: wheat, Ethiopia