FriEL Ethiopia Farming and processing PLC

Esrael Asrat

Collaborating With Dassenech Wereda To Mitigate Drought

General /

The FriEL Ethiopia farm is located in Omorate, a town in southern Ethiopia near the Kenyan border. Situated in the Debub Omo Zone of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region, this village has an elevation of 395 meters above sea level. Its location in the Omo Valley gives it a semi-arid climate, with low and erratic rainfall and warm temperatures. The town and its surroundings are inhabited by the Dassenech people, and the greater region is known as the Dassenech wereda. According to the Ethiopian Statistics Service, as of 2021, the estimated population in the woreda is about 70,000.

The Dassenech are a pastoralist tribe, and their livelihood is centered around the breeding of cattle and other herd animals like goats and sheep. These animals are not only used for meat, milk, and skins but also signify wealth and status. Apart from raising livestock, the Dassenech occasionally practice flood-recession agriculture along the banks of the Omo River.

While Ethiopia contains the largest livestock population in Africa with an estimated 80 million livestock, pastoralists and agro-pastoralists – such as the Dassenech – in tropical and subtropical drylands are among the most vulnerable groups to climate change. Since their livelihood is so reliant on livestock, any problems affecting their domestic animals directly impact the community. For the past several years, the Dassenech wereda has been affected by devastating droughts frequently experienced in the locality. They have also been the victims of floods owing to rain in the Central and South-Central Highlands, causing the overflow of the Omo River. This has caused many families to face hunger and severe economic struggles. A food security outlook shows that the area is categorized under an emergency zone, one step above a famine.

FriEL Ethiopia has been operating the farm in Omorate since 2007 and, in that time, has made several efforts towards helping the surrounding community. At the moment, the biggest problem that the wereda faces is a lack of pasture for livestock. Thus, we are working with the Dassenech wereda administration to help combat this problem. So far, 1,600 bales of hay have been delivered from Jinka and distributed among the pastoralists in the area. An additional 15,000 hay bales have been delivered recently from production made on 100 hectares of our own land. This is expected to help partially alleviate several families’ immediate concerns regarding their cattle.

In order to further build a more sustainable solution for the pasture scarcity issue, 100 hectares of land from our farm has now been allocated to growing grass for the cattle. Several thousand bales of hay are expected to be harvested from these fields. Once the dry season hits in the coming months and the community faces a scarcity of pasture, this will help supplement their need for livestock feed. This is among our greater agenda of improving the community’s livelihood.

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State of the art farming:

Infrastructure, Processing /

In a bold move that’s set to reshape the landscape of Ethiopian agriculture, FriEL Ethiopia Farming and Processing Plc has unveiled a strategic expansion plan that involves the integration of cutting-edge machinery into its operations. This move is aimed at not only boosting efficiency but also transforming the way cotton is cultivated and harvested in the region. Among the remarkable additions to their fleet of machines is the highly anticipated cotton picker, a game-changer that promises to elevate the speed and quality of cotton picking for the upcoming season.

For a company that has built its reputation on being a powerhouse in cotton production, the introduction of the very first John Deere 9976 cotton picker in Ethiopia represents a monumental milestone. This move is more than just the acquisition of a piece of machinery; it’s a testament to FriEL Ethiopia’s commitment to innovation, progress, and contributing to the advancement of the agricultural sector in the country.

The decision to heavily invest in state-of-the-art equipment is poised to catalyze a wave of technology transfer within the agricultural and produce processing spheres. Beyond the immediate benefits of increased efficiency and improved harvest quality, the long-term implications of this move are profound. The introduction of advanced machinery can serve as a powerful catalyst, spurring knowledge sharing, skills development, and the proliferation of innovative practices throughout the sector.

Crucially, the journey towards mechanization isn’t solely about bringing machines into the picture. It encompasses a holistic approach that extends to the workforce. FriEL Ethiopia is fully committed to ensuring that its staff is well-equipped to harness the full potential of these automated systems. Comprehensive education and training programs will be put in place to empower employees to seamlessly operate, maintain, and optimize these cutting-edge machines. This dual investment in technology and human capital marks a pivotal stride toward building a sustainable and resilient agricultural ecosystem in Ethiopia.

At its core, every step taken by FriEL Ethiopia is a reflection of the company’s unwavering dedication to its vision. This vision, driven by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and responsible farming practices, resonates through every facet of their operations. From the cultivation of crops to post-harvest processing, every choice made aligns harmoniously with the overarching goal of ushering in the best farming and processing practices in Ethiopia.

As the new cotton-picking season approaches, there is a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. FriEL Ethiopia’s investment in a cotton picker represents more than a simple acquisition; it’s a bold step toward the future of Ethiopian agriculture. By embracing mechanization, the company is not only enhancing its own operations but also sowing the seeds of progress that will ripple throughout the entire agricultural landscape. This journey is not just about machinery; it’s about embracing innovation, embracing change, and embracing a future where technology and tradition converge to create something truly extraordinary.

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New products, new process, new dimension:

Infrastructure, Processing /

In the heart of Ethiopia’s agricultural landscape, FriEL Ethiopia Farming and Processing has embarked on a transformative mission that promises to reshape how bananas are cultivated and much more. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, the company has set its sights on elevating every aspect of farming, from inputs and processes to machinery and distribution.

At FriEL Ethiopia, the pursuit of perfection begins with the basics. The company has pioneered innovative cold containers, designed to transport agricultural produce over long distances while preserving its freshness. This breakthrough ensures that the high-quality bananas cultivated on the farms retain their just-picked flavor and nutritional value, even after a journey spanning vast distances.

Redefining Quality at Every Step

From seed to table, FriEL Ethiopia leaves no stone unturned in its mission to deliver unparalleled quality. The process commences with meticulous training in seedling nurturing, planting techniques, cultivation practices, and optimal harvesting methods. This comprehensive approach guarantees that every banana that reaches consumers is a testament to the company’s dedication to excellence
FriEL Ethiopia’s commitment to reshaping Ethiopian large-scale farming doesn’t stop at bananas. The company has made waves by introducing the first-ever John Deere 9976 cotton Pickers in the country. This introduction isn’t merely about machinery; it’s a statement of FriEL Ethiopia’s intent to modernize and elevate the entire cotton harvesting process. The team understands that technology, coupled with skillful training, can unlock new levels of efficiency and productivity.

A Step Closer to Our Vision

At the heart of FriEL Ethiopia’s journey lies a core value that resonates through every endeavor: never compromise on quality. This principle serves as the guiding light, driving the company to relentlessly pursue advancements, embrace innovation, and make a tangible impact on Ethiopian agriculture

As we embrace these innovations and raise the bar for farming excellence, FriEL Ethiopia moves ever closer to its overarching goals. Each seed planted, each crate loaded with premium fruit, and each training session conducted brings us closer to a future where Ethiopian agriculture stands as a shining example of quality and innovation.

In this remarkable journey, FriEL Ethiopia Farming and Processing continues to sow the seeds of transformation, fostering a brighter future for Ethiopian agriculture and leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

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Fight against COVID-19

Social Impact /

FriEL Ethiopia Farming & Processing plc has donated COVID-19 prevention goods for Dasenech Woreda to its fight against the pandemic. The donation aims to address the dire needs in highly vulnerable areas, providing basic necessities, including food, water, cleaning supplies, medicines, face masks, and personal hygiene items. Since Dasenech woreda is in a border area to Kenya, contamination from illegal migrants from neighboring countries makes the woreda vulnerable to the pandemic.

This act of support is not the first time for FriEL Ethiopia and the company has provided medical materials to local residents and provided assistance to a student of the pastoralist society of Dasenech woreda who is studying midwifery in a higher education institution. The company is acting according to its social corporate responsibility strategy to protect the local community and its own employees.

The donation was made in the presence of STV, woreda administrative authorities, and the management of FriEL Ethiopia on May 4th, 2020 at the Dassenech Woreda Administration compound. Details of the donation are listed in the table below.

 
Item DescriptionU.O.MQuantity            Remark
Water Tanker (5,000 Lt.)Pcs2For sanitation purpose
Amoxicillin SuspensionCarton10To be used in case of infection
NS (Glucose)Bag204
Disposable Face MaskPcs500For prevention of the infection and sanitation purposes
SanitizerLt.100
Hand washCarton12
Infrared Thermo MeterPcs3For fever detection
Banners for COVID-19Pcs2Aware creation purposes
Sticker for the tankerPcs2
Examination GlovePackets20Safety of health workers

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Solar Power development

Infrastructure /

In the sun-soaked expanses of Omorate farm, a transformation is underway that echoes the harmonious melodies of nature and innovation. FriEL Ethiopia Farming and Processing plc is embarking on a journey to harness the power of the sun, bringing a sustainable twist to the world of agriculture. As the government of Ethiopia spearheads the “green growth” initiative, FriEL Ethiopia is aligning its vision with this noble cause.

The sun is not just a celestial body lighting our days; it’s a reservoir of untapped energy that holds the promise of a greener future. FriEL Ethiopia is leading the way by working to shift the paradigm of power generation in Omorate farms from diesel to solar. This metamorphosis aligns seamlessly with the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth and preserving our planet’s precious resources.

The Successful Prelude: Phase One

The symphony of solar power at Omorate farm has begun with the completion of the first harmonious phase. This milestone marks a resounding success as the farm now generates a remarkable 320 KW of electricity through solar means. This clean energy is being channeled for the essential purpose of pump irrigation, infusing life into the crops, and nurturing the land.

But the symphony doesn’t stop at one crescendo. FriEL Ethiopia is poised to strike the chords of innovation again with the impending commencement of the second phase. This phase is set to unlock even more solar-generated electricity, providing energy to power the expanding farm irrigation pumps, the ginning factory, workshops, and the residences that form the fabric of Omorate farm.

As this ambitious project takes root and blossoms, its impact will be felt far beyond the confines of Omorate farm. With every beam of sunlight harnessed, the need for diesel – and the costly shipments that accompany it – will dwindle. This reduction in reliance on diesel marks a significant step towards sustainability and economic prudence.

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