Ethiopia: Erratic rainfall threatens crop yields

ADDIS ABABA: The late start of Ethiopia's wet season and the unreliability of the rains could affect crop production this year and increase the number of those in need of aid, officials said.

29 Jun 2009

"The rainy season will start late particularly in the northeastern part of our country," Prime Minister Meles Zenawi told reporters at his office on 24 June. "That means the cropping season for some types of crops may not be appropriate this year."

Ethiopia produces 90-95 percent of its total cereal output during the main rainy season, called 'meher', which runs from June to October.

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