Farmers in the West Azernet Berbere Woreda of the Silte Zone said they are benefiting from apple production.

Apple cultivation, which is part of the district's 30,40,30 initiative, is being widely cultivated.

Kamil Mohammed, a resident of Bilalo Kebele in the district, said that the district government's communication team visited the farmers' gardens and observed that they benefited from cultivating apple seedlings.

Farmer Kamil, who stated that they use vegetables and fruits extensively for food, mentioned that they earn up to 60,000 birr per year by selling them to the market, noting that they have planted 140 apple trees so far, following the 30, 40, 30 fruit cultivation method.

He explained that they are educating their children and living a better life, and that they are building a new house with the income they earn, he told the district government's communications department.

Farmers Ato Dilsebo Nuri and Ato Benur Salia say that the district has a climate suitable for growing highland fruits, which has helped them increase their economic potential through apple cultivation.

According to the farmers, they are dreaming of making apple planting a regular activity as apple production is gaining attention.

In particular, he mentioned that the development of the 30, 40, 30 Frafra is being carried out with great attention.

They noted that water shortages have hindered their ability to expand the development to a better level than it currently is, and called on the relevant stakeholders to find a solution to the problem.

According to the district's Agricultural Development Office, 65 percent of farmers grow apples in their gardens.

Information indicates that some of the apple seedlings that were previously imported from other areas are being cultivated in the district and distributed to farmers.

Information we received from the office indicates that 625 hectares of land in the district is covered with apple trees, and an average annual yield of 13,750 quintals is expected.