(Ecofin Agency) - At the end of the 2016-17 fiscal year, Ethiopia’s horticultural exports generated $271 million for the economy, according to hortibiz.com.

According to the authority in charge of the sector and agricultural investment, this is slightly (+1.5%) above the revenues generated a year before ($275 million) but far below (-41.2% or $190 million) what it targeted revenues for the period.

In details, the authority said cut flowers remain the main source of revenues in the sector with earnings standing at about $218 million, which is more than 80% of total revenues. Regarding fruits and vegetables exports, they generated $53 million for the economy.

Ethiopia, it should be recalled, is Africa’s second largest cut flowers exporter and Europe’s second supplier behind Kenya.

Espoir Olodo