Agriculture, the cornerstone of human civilization, is essential for providing food security and supporting economic growth. In regions with limited rainfall, irrigation and seasonal farming practices are crucial for optimizing agricultural productivity. By strategically managing water resources and conserving soil, farmers can cultivate crops even in arid environments. Irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation or sprinkler systems, allow for efficient water delivery to plants, reducing water waste. Seasonal farming, which involves planting crops during specific periods when moisture is most available, helps to maximize yields. Additionally, soil conservation techniques, such as contour plowing and cover cropping, prevent soil erosion and maintain its fertility, ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability. Gash-Barka, as the country’s breadbasket, exemplifies successful water and soil conservation programs.
Dige, among the 16 subzones in the Gash-Barka region, is a cornerstone of Eritrea’s agricultural landscape and plays a pivotal role in the nation’s economic development. Its strategic location, fertile lands, and favorable climate have made it a vital agricultural hub. The subzone’s primary economic activity is agriculture, providing livelihoods for the majority of its residents. The subzone successfully cultivates various crops, fruits, and vegetables such as bananas, lemons, tomatoes, sorghum, millet, and others. Additionally, livestock, particularly camels, sheep, and goats, contribute significantly to the subzone’s economy and food security. The Ministry of Agriculture in Dige Subzone, with its four divisions of crop development, water and soil conservation, livestock, and rules and regulations, is working to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability in this vital region. The subzone is strategically located along the country’s major river banks, and this offers significant potential for developing advanced macro agricultural projects.
As a primary producer of fruits and vegetables, the subzone contributes significantly to the nation’s economy. The region’s fertile lands and favorable climatic conditions make it a prime agricultural area. While the majority of farmers rely on rain-fed agriculture, the subzone’s diverse landscape supports a variety of crops, which are essential staples for the local population. Beyond this subsistence farming, the subzone also produces surplus crops for both domestic consumption and national markets, thereby contributing to the country’s food security. Livestock, particularly camels, sheep, and goats, play a crucial role in the subzone’s economy, providing meat, milk, and transportation services.
Mr. Tedros Gebremaryam
Despite the subzone’s challenges, such as limited annual rainfall and soil erosion, continuous efforts to improve agricultural practices and infrastructure aim to ensure its long-term sustainability and prosperity. The Ministry of Agriculture in Dige recognizes the interconnectedness of crop production and water resource management; it has prioritized water and soil conservation initiatives. This year, the ministry has set ambitious targets, aiming to cultivate approximately 6,500 hectares of sorghum and millet, two of the subzone’s most popular crops. As of August, the ministry had successfully planted approximately 879 hectares. The northern part of the subzone, located west of the Barka River, receives very little rainfall. However, the subzone is rich in subsurface water resources, and several major rivers flow through the region. The scarcity of surface water has heartened farmers to focus on soil and water conservation programs, often in collaboration with local communities. These efforts include summer campaigns and all-year-round work for food programs aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices and protecting the subzone’s resources.
Irrigation-based agriculture, in particular, plays a significant role in Dige Subzone, with approximately 242 cultivators engaged in this practice. Irrigation farming occupies a total of 3,000 hectares of land, with 1,600 hectares currently devoted to vegetable cultivation. Furthermore, future irrigation projects are developing an additional 2,200 hectares. In line with the Ministry of Agriculture’s “Safe Nutritious Food for All Everywhere” program, the subzone’s MoA branch offers comprehensive education and awareness programs to enhance farmers’ knowledge and skills. These programs, which include both theoretical and practical training, have educated over 652 farmers by mid-2024. By providing hands-on experience, these training initiatives empower farmers to adopt more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices, ultimately improving their productivity and livelihoods. The MoA is also committed to supporting farmers by providing essential supplies, including affordable medicines. The ministry aims to promote the use of natural and safe products, such as liquid fertilizers, to enhance soil fertility and improve crop yields.
Mr. Hagos Tesfamikael
Dige Subzone stands as a prominent banana-producing area in Eritrea, with a total of 520 hectares dedicated to banana farming. With this significant acreage, the subzone is one of the country’s leading cultivators of this valuable fruit. Recognizing the specialized care required for banana cultivation, Mr. Tedros Gebremaryam, head of the Ministry of Agriculture in the subzone, says that their branch has implemented targeted support programs to assist banana producers. These initiatives aim to ensure a sustained supply of bananas to the national market and promote the long-term sustainability of banana farming in the subzone. Banana plants in the Dige Subzone typically require 9 to 12 months to mature and begin bearing fruit. Once planted, this banana tree can yield fruit for up to 9 years. The peak harvesting period typically occurs within the first 2 to 4 years after planting. The subzone enjoys particularly favorable conditions for banana production, with exceptionally high yields occurring from mid-March to May. By providing essential support and resources to banana farmers, the MoA is playing a crucial role in promoting the growth and development of this important agricultural sector in the Dige Subzone.
Bananas are water-intensive crops, and the abundant subsurface water resources along the Barka River banks provide an ideal environment for their cultivation. In addition to bananas, lemon farming is also prevalent in Dige Subzone. The majority of irrigation farmers cultivate lemons on their farms, as it is a profitable agricultural venture. The subzone grows tomatoes, a highly cultivated vegetable, on approximately 420 ha of land. The subzone typically harvests tomatoes at the end of February, supplying the product to major markets such as Keren, the central market of the Anseba region, Asmara, and Barentu. Overall, irrigationbased agriculture provides a valuable source of employment for hundreds of citizens in Dige Subzone. Furthermore, the Dige Subzone has proven its agricultural versatility by successfully cultivating irrigated crops such as Taff, which was previously considered unsuitable for the region. Through innovative farming practices, the subzone has proven that Taff can thrive in its environment. In 2023, farmers produced over nine hundred quintals of Taff, highlighting its potential for even greater yields. Additionally, the subzone has achieved significant success in maize production, yielding over 225 quintals during the previous season. These achievements highlight the subzone’s contribution to food security not only through banana cultivation but also by diversifying its agricultural portfolio.
Mr. Hagos Tesfamikael, a successful farmer in the subzone, has become an inspiration for sustainable agriculture. By investing in solar energy, he has significantly reduced his reliance on fuel, which previously accounted for a substantial 80% of his agricultural expenses. This innovative approach has led to a remarkable increase in the productivity of his fruit and vegetable crops. Mr. Hagos currently manages a substantial 42-hectare farm. Banana cultivation occupies 31 hectares of this, while a diverse range of crops such as tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, and more occupy the remaining 11 hectares. He emphasizes that solar energy has been critical to increasing his agricultural output and enabling him to plan for future expansion. Additionally, solar energy is free from noise and environmental pollution, offering a significant advantage over fuel-powered water pumps, especially in terms of its capacity to pump larger volumes of water. With a
vision for the future, Mr. Hagos is actively working to expand his farm and plant over 1,600 date palm trees. This project demonstrates the commitment to sustainable agriculture, and it is showing promising results.
Mr. Tedros explains that seasonal fluctuations in supply and demand pose challenges for tomato farming in the subzone. During peak production, the market can become saturated, leading to low prices that may not cover production costs. Conversely, during the offseason, tomatoes can become scarce and expensive.
Mr. Tedros recommends addressing this issue through improved packaging and storage solutions. The Vegetable and Fruit Association plays a vital role in supporting farmers and ensuring the efficient distribution of produce. However, the association requires stronger leadership and empowerment to effectively manage its operations and deliver products to the market. The lack of banana ripening facilities in the subzone is also another significant challenge, as it necessitates transporting bananas to Asmara for ripening and then returning them to Gash-Barka, increasing costs. Mr. Tedros notes that by addressing the challenges and optimizing production practices, the subzone can further enhance its agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of its residents.