FriEL Ethiopia Farming and processing PLC

Esrael Asrat

Banana Plantation Project.

Infrastructure /

In the sun-drenched expanse of Omorate farm, FriEL Ethiopia Farming & Processing plc is crafting a remarkable tale of expansion and innovation. With a resolute commitment to agricultural growth, the company has embarked on a journey that simultaneously nurtures cotton and bananas, cultivating both crops to meet the demands of global and local markets alike.

From Cotton to Bananas: A Dual Endeavor

FriEL Ethiopia’s ambitions know no bounds. As the cotton plantations flourish, the company has set its sights on adding a new dimension to its portfolio: banana plantation development. This strategic move aims to harmonize with the existing cotton cultivation, creating a symphony of agricultural diversity on the fertile lands of Omorate farm.

Planting the Seeds of Progress

The grand vision encompasses over 1,000 hectares of land to be embraced by banana plantations. This audacious plan is unfolding in phases, and the first harmonious note struck comprises 200 hectares. By the close of February 2020, the orchestra had reached an impressive 47 hectares, marking a promising start to this transformative journey.

A Quest for Excellence: Crafting the Finest Varieties

At the heart of this project lies a commitment to producing nothing but the best. The banana plantation development is meticulously designed to yield high-quality varieties that resonate with the discerning European market. With its sights set on becoming a major player in this arena, FriEL Ethiopia is dedicated to nurturing crops that meet and exceed international standards.

Beyond Borders: Markets and More

While the European market holds a prime position in FriEL Ethiopia’s strategy, the company’s reach extends beyond oceans. The bountiful produce from these meticulously cultivated banana plantations will also grace the tables of local markets, enriching communities and forging strong bonds with consumers closer to home.

Investments that Bear Fruit

FriEL Ethiopia’s foresight doesn’t end with cultivation alone. The company is on the cusp of introducing a new dimension to its logistical prowess. Refrigerated containers, an embodiment of cutting-edge technology, are set to be acquired to transport the delicate produce to the discerning European market. Additionally, a packaging facility is on the horizon, poised to enhance the presentation and preservation of these prized bananas.

A Symphony of Growth: The Final Movement

In the orchestration of this agricultural symphony, FriEL Ethiopia Farming & Processing plc stands as the conductor of growth and innovation. With each phase of banana plantation development, with every acre cultivated, the company plays a crucial role in harmonizing nature’s bounty with the demands of global markets. The story of Omorate farm continues to unfold, narrating a tale of expansion, excellence, and a commitment to cultivating a greener, fruitful future

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Reform activities in FriEL Ethiopia

Social Impact /

New farmland development and facility improvement were sought as part of the overall expansion and rehabilitation plan of FriEL Ethiopia Farming and Processing.
We believe this will boost productivity and show the company’s commitment toward mutual benefit with the employees by creating a better working environment and its development partnership with the government by increasing its productivity and production.

FriEL ETHIOPIA Farming & Processing Plc. is undergoing a major reform in all aspects of its operations envisaging a productive, profitable, and all-inclusive development. Major reforms achieved so far include:-

  1. Reorganizing and staffing of farm site and Addis office departments with professionals having rich experience in the sector since January 2019. In addition to that, a professional consultancy was also been hired to update the existing organizational structure, staffing plan, benefits scheme, job manuals, etc. in July 2019.
  2. Although the farm can develop 1,500 hectares (15%) of its total area coverage in the 2018/19 season – which is an improvement compared to previous years, new 2,500 hectares of land or 25% of the total area coverage has also been developed for cultivation on the next season (2019/20) making the total cultivable land reach 4,000 hectares (40%).
  3. With cultivable farmland expansion, fulfillment of farm machines such as excavators, graders, loaders, and dump trucks has already been done from January to July 2019.
  4. Purchase of three double cabs, one single cab, and one ambulance has also been made to facilitate the expansion and rehabilitation of both on and off-farm operations from January to July 2019.
  5. Civil work for the ginning plant has also commenced in June 2019 anticipating erecting the ginning plant in August 2019 to start operation before the 2020 season. The ginning machines are all imported and shipped to the farm site.
  6. Based on the company’s strategy to have an independent and reliable power source for the ginning plant, irrigation pumps, and other operations that require electricity, the importation of solar panels with a capacity of producing 300KW is underway with a plan to start erection and generation of power in September 2019.

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Transforming African Agriculture Through Mechanization

Infrastructure /

Africa’s population is expected to double by 2050, the continent must ditch the hoe in favor of modern technology, which will complete the same tasks far more efficiently.

A transformation from small-scale subsistence farms to mechanized, more commercially viable farms is essential. Currently, mechanization levels on farms across Africa are very low, with the number of tractors in sub-Saharan Africa ranging from 1.3 per square kilometer in Rwanda to 43 per square kilometer in South Africa, compared with 128 per square kilometer in India and 116 per square kilometers in Brazil. Without mechanized agriculture, productivity suffers drastically, lowering farmers’ earnings, notes the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa.

Africa currently spends a whopping $35 billion annually on food imports, according to the African Development Bank (AfDB), which projects that if the current trend continues, food imports could rise to $110 billion by 2050. Africa should be the breadbasket of the world.

Technologies to achieve Africa’s green revolution exist but are mostly just sitting on the shelves. The challenge is a lack of supportive policies to ensure that they are scaled up to reach millions of farmers. One of the advantages of mechanized agriculture is that it can potentially attract youth to farms and put a dent in Africa’s high youth unemployment, which accounts for about 60% of total unemployed.

 

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Cotton

Crops /

Cotton production has been a central component of rural and urban Ethiopian life for centuries.
The traditional clothing has always been made of locally cultivated cotton spun on drop spindles
by women, and woven on hand looms by men. Most rural women and men living in areas where cotton
grows have the skills to process the fiber themselves.

Cotton is grown in lower elevation areas of Ethiopia on small farms and large alike – private and
government owed. In recent years, with the dramatic increase of textile industrialization, the demand for
cotton has significantly increased. Improving and increasing cotton production is a major Government
focus, and the sector is increasingly an area of foreign investment.
In addition to home production, farmers bring their crops to centralized cotton ginning plants where the
cotton is processed.
To date, there is no certified Fair Trade or organic cotton in Ethiopia. However,
there are a few initiatives in process to facilitate its production.

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