PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY IN ETHIOPIA: CURRENT STATUS, OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

Biotechnology in the Agriculture sector covers indigenous plant and animal breeding to the choice of individuals and hybridization including technically complicated techniques of genetic engineering. The beneficiaries are farmers, manufacturers and consumers. Ethiopia has been regarded as one among the ancient countries of the world and also richer in natural resources and wide diversity in the crop has been recorded. Plant biotechnology portrays immense capacity for manipulation of crops to conclude with the use of least inputs, increased yield and productivity. It is a smart choice and very much necessary for the introduction of latest biotechnological tools to Ethiopian agricultural sector. Careful examination of crop varieties of Ethiopia through the usage of modern tools and techniques of biotechnology could certainly assist in unraveling genes that harness traits of colossal economic significance. Quite a few research and academic institutes of Ethiopia are conducting basic, advanced and related fields of research in biotechnology with limitations in tools, techniques and management. This review intends to update the information on status of research, opportunities and challenges in plant biotechnology and it will help the researchers, academicians, industrialists and students to know about the current status of Ethiopian plant biotechnology. Besides, it will be helpful for the policy maker to guide them further for plans and developments.