Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
ZIMBABWE is targeting to tap into the India’s vast consumer base of over 1,5 billion people through exporting US$500 million worth of agricultural produce to the Asiana nation by 2030 .The move aligns with the Government’s strategy to boost export earnings
and diversify trade partnerships.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Deputy Minister Davis Marapira made these remarks on the sidelines of World Food India 2025 in New Delhi, which ended over the weekend, held under the theme “Innovating for Sustainable,
Healthy and Nutritious Food”.
“With India’s population, there is substantial demand for our products. We are focusing on exporting citrus and blueberries,” he said.
“We need to balance trade so that Zimbabwe can export at least half a billion dollars to India.”
Currently, Zimbabwe exports around US$65 million worth of goods to India, while imports from the country total about US$400 million, creating a significant trade imbalance.
The Government plans to increase exports of high-value crops such as citrus and blueberries and is working to strengthen trade relations to facilitate smoother exports.
“The Indian market of 1,5 billion people presents enormous opportunities for Zimbabwean agriculture,” Marapira said, adding that strategic planning and enhanced trade partnerships are key to reducing the trade deficit.
World Food India 2025 showcased India’s growing food processing sector and drew investment commitments exceeding one lakh crore rupees.
Over the four-day event, 26 domestic and international companies signed Memoranda of Understanding expected to create direct employment for over 64 000 people and indirect opportunities for more than a million.
The summit featured exhibitions, CEO roundtables, technical sessions and multiple business interactions, including B2B (Business-to-Business) , B2G (Business-to-Government) and G2G (Government-to-Government) meetings.
Twenty-one countries, including France, Germany, Iran, Australia, South Korea and the USA, participated alongside 150 international delegates.
The event highlighted India as a global hub for food processing, sustainability and innovation, emphasizing nutritious and organic food production.
India Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed attendees, noting India’s triple strengths of diversity, demand, and scale in the food sector.
“India is operating at an extraordinary scale. In the past ten years, 25 crore people have joined the neo-middle class, shaping food trends and driving demand,” he said.
He highlighted that India’s start-up ecosystem and integration of technologies such as AI, drones and e-commerce are transforming agriculture and food processing.
As Zimbabwe seeks to expand its agricultural exports, the insights and partnerships from World Food India 2025 offer valuable opportunities to strengthen trade and position the country as a key supplier to India’s rapidly growing market.
Peter Tanyanyiwa