Despite the government’s claims of significant changes in wheat production and export, domestic factories are reporting production shortages.
Efforts are being made in various parts of the country to increase wheat production, and quotas have been imposed on regions producing wheat for export.
It should not be forgotten that Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed recently attended the Oromia region’s wheat export.
He explained that the next day, flour, pasta, and macaroni factories faced a wheat shortage, forcing him to stop working.
According to Ato Muluneh Lema, President of the Flour and Flour Products Manufacturers Association, wheat has become illegal, and no one can buy or sell it at will.
The government only allowed unions to purchase wheat for export, and flour producers were told they would get it from the unions. Later, 12 investors were chosen and started working, but the flour producers couldn’t get wheat.
The producers have been saving, according to Mr. Muluneh, who stated that the problem has been resolved for two months.
Farmers have been saving and utilizing the wheat they have, and they have now reached the point of no return. Despite rising bread prices, a kilo of macaroni has risen from 40 to 80 birr.
Wheat is currently considered contraband, according to Mr. Muluneh, and is checked at every checkpoint. As a result, producers are unable to buy and exploit. According to them, flour mills and traders in areas where wheat has been discovered in warehouses are being harassed for illegal trading.
As a result, Mr. Muluneh urged the government to prioritize resolving the issue because the needs of the country must come first.
Source: Ethio FM