Addressing the 8th regular meeting of the Ethiopian Weed Science Society held here on Thursday, Institute Director General, Dr. Solomon Assefa said weeds are the main agricultural problem that has devastating effect on productivity.

He said small farmers spend more than 40 % of their labor on picking out weeds.

Dr. Solomon said the society has the responsibility to address the problem by giving professional advice and recommendations.

He said weeds are still continued to make immense demand on human labor in the country.

The Director said the society is playing a significant role in the agriculture development.

Society President Dr.Taye Tessema on his part said some varieties of weeds could be used for various purposes.

Some weeds variety like “prosopis” in Oromia and Afar States could be used for building of houses, as firewood and fertilizers, he said.

The Society awarded on the occasion a trophy to Professor Gebissa Ejeta for his invention of a new variety of Sorghum that resists “Striga “weed.

Farmers using the new Sorghum are benefiting a lot, he said.

The Society is striving to provide professional solution to eliminate weeds, he said.

Some 25 research papers related to weeds and agricultural issues are expected to be tabled for discussion in the two- day conference.

R: 3:45-4:10

E-4:07-4:35 PM

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