Some 7.1 million U.S. dollars were secured from export of Ethiopia's horticultural products over the past seven months, officials said Tuesday.

Sirak Alemu, head of the horticultural products department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, told journalists that the sum was obtained through export of over 21, 000 tons of horticultural products in the previous seven months since August last year.

Holland, Italy, Norway, Britain, Saudi Arabia and Djibouti were among the main export destinations, he said, adding finger millet and strawberry were among the major export items.

Mostly the products have been exported via the eastern border town Dire Dawa and the capital Addis Ababa, said the Ethiopian official.

Sirak also said the ministry has been distributing high-yield mango, apple, finger millet and strawberry varieties among farmers.

Moreover, the ministry has been engaged in identifying areas suitable for horticultural development, he said.

Ethiopia's appeal lie in its proximity to consuming markets, such as Europe and West Asia, its ideal climate conditions all year round, the improved investment code in the country, the accessibility to bank loans and the availability of land.

Located in the equatorial belt, Ethiopia has an ideal climatic condition that helps in producing good horticultural products. The Ethiopian government offers large tracts of land for horticultural companies on a perpetual long-lease at very attractive rentals.

The Upper Awash Agro-Industry, the Ethiopian Horticulture Share Company, the Horticulture Development, Ethio Flora, and Ethio Veg- Fru are among the exporters, he said.

Source: Xinhua