Eritrea expands forage production to boost milk output

Africa, Business

AFRICA, April 4, 2026 (NPA) — Eritrea’s Ministry of Agriculture has announced significant progress in its national strategy to expand forage cultivation as part of efforts to increase milk production and strengthen food security.

According to the ministry, in a statement today, 27 types of forage crops suitable for livestock feed have been identified across the country. Forage farming, though rooted in Eritrea’s agricultural history, has not been fully developed until recent years. Officials say the sector is now central to the government’s plan to improve livestock health and meet rising demand for dairy products.

Mr. Medhane Tesfay, Head of Forage Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, explained that forage-based milk production has been adopted as a national strategy. 

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In 2025 alone, 2,300 hectares of land were cultivated with forage crops, yielding an estimated 109,000 tons of green feed. This initiative, he noted, is designed to reduce dependence on imported feed, improve animal nutrition, and raise milk output.

Livestock in Eritrea are divided into ruminants—such as cattle, sheep, goats, and camels—and non-ruminants like poultry and horses. Ruminants, which rely on microbial digestion in their multi-chambered stomachs, benefit most from forage-based diets. The ministry emphasized that the type and quality of feed directly influence milk yield and composition.

Breed differences also play a role. Buffalo milk generally contains higher fat than cow’s milk, while camel milk is richer in minerals. Even within cattle breeds, milk composition varies. Local breeds such as Barika and Arado produce milk with different qualities compared to imported breeds like Holstein or Jersey.

Officials highlighted that forage expansion is not only about increasing volume but also about improving quality. By diversifying feed sources and aligning them with livestock species and breeds, Eritrea aims to achieve more sustainable dairy production.

The ministry concluded that forage-based strategies will remain the backbone of Eritrea’s dairy development, ensuring healthier livestock, higher milk yields, and greater resilience in the face of climate and market challenges.