Members of House of People’s Representatives (HoPR), Standing Committee on Plan, Budget, and Finance Affairs have paid a visit to the environmental performance of floriculture farms in Bishoftu cluster today. The committee reviewed the progress achieved after it sets direction in May this year.
The committee members lauded farms that implemented environmental friendly and state-of-the-art technology to reduce pesticide application and also to expedite the composting process of green waste in the farms. They have also expressed the need to pay utmost attention to correct those farms that failed to comply with local and international legislations.
The committee members also expressed their readiness to contribute to the creation of better enabling environment for the smooth functioning of the industry.
Dr. Meles Mekonnen, State Minister of Ministry of Agriculture on his part stated that the concerted efforts of Ministry of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Authority, Ethiopian Agriculture Authority and EHPEA have addressed the previous concerns of the committee. He went on to say that the direction set by the committee is implemented by the coordinated efforts of the pertinent institutions. Accordingly to him, noticeable achievements are scored with regard to environmental compliance to ensure sustainability.
Ambassador Deriba Kuma, Director General of Ethiopian Agricultural Authority, underscored that his authority is strictly enforcing measures with regard to environmental compliance associated with chemicals, fertilizers, bio-pesticides management and disposal so as to ensure the safety of workers, surrounding community and the environment at large. According to Ambassador Deriba, the inspection conducted by his authority shows promising progress as far as environmental management issues of the farms is concerned.
Tewodros Zewdie, Executive Director of Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association on his part explained in detail with regard to interventions by the industry meant to address sustainability issues including , among others, construction of used water treatment plants, development of national standard for horticulture effluent, the expansion of biological control agents application, turning of green waste in to compost. He also briefed the MPs about the current challenges of the industry.
Ethiopian House of People’s Representatives (HoPR) Standing Committee on Plan, Budget, and Finance plays a pivotal crucial in reviewing the government’s financial cycle, including the national budget, its implementation, and related legislation. It also examines the performance audit of institutions.
