Addis Ababa, October 27, 2026 (FMC) — Members of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), serving under the Western Command’s Abdisa Aga Battalion, have harvested mature teff crops for vulnerable farmers in Adet Woreda, Central Zone of the Tigray Region, helping them gather their produce on time and avoid potential crop losses.
Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Gezahagn Bekele said the Defense Forces, as an institution rooted in the people, have a responsibility to demonstrate their bond with local communities through practical action, alongside their duty to safeguard the country’s sovereignty.
He said the forces are sharing the challenges faced by communities in areas where they are deployed, providing support that demonstrates their commitment to serving and protecting the public.
Abay Regiment Commander Captain Amare Muluneh noted that farmers in the area sometimes face difficulties harvesting their crops on time for various reasons. He said the soldiers’ participation was intended to ease those difficulties and prevent the loss of the substantial teff harvest.
Farmers Mamo Gebreyessus and Desalegn Gerenchel, who received the assistance, expressed happiness over the relative peace prevailing in their area. They said the support had brought considerable relief by enabling them to harvest their ripe teff on time and thanked the Defense Forces for their assistance.
The initiative illustrates how the Defense Forces are translating their stated commitment to the public into practical support for vulnerable communities, helping farmers protect their harvest and sustain their livelihoods.