Prime Minster Meles Zenawi on Wednesday held discussion with Laureate Gebisa Ejeta, winner of the 2009 World Food Prize. Meles expressed happiness over the outstanding success of Prof. Gebisa and said that the prize is an honor and pride for Ethiopian researchers.

The premier confirmed that the government will provide the necessary support to Prof. Gebisa in his efforts to enhance the agriculture sector in Ethiopia. Prof. Gebisa on his part said the prize is a result of Ethiopian and African researchers.

He said Ethiopia, though a poor country, has allocated a significant amount of budget for the agricultural sector compared with other countries. However, he said a lot should be done in disseminating research outputs to farmers.

He also expressed commitment to serve his country as well as African farmers to change the livelihood of the farmers. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Tefera Deribew also said the premier discussed with prof. Gebissa on ways to disseminate research outputs and expand results of researches.

Earlier it was reported that the government has organized forum to enable Prof. Gebisa share experiences with young researchers as his outstanding achievement is exemplary. The Ethiopian geneticist and seed-breeder, who joined the Purdue University faculty in 1984, is only the second African to win the Food Prize.

He developed and introduced the first sorghum hybrid in Africa in the early 1980s, which was drought tolerant and produced significantly higher yields. Prof. Gebisa received MSc and PhD degrees from Purdue University in 1976 and 1978 respectively. (ENA)