admin
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Zimbabwe and India are deepening their agricultural collaboration through discussions focusing on mechanisation, climate resilience and trade opportunities.
Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Bramha Kumar met Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka today to review ongoing projects and explore new avenues for cooperation.
Ambassador Kumar commended Zimbabwe’s active participation in the Indian Economic and Technical Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, which provides over 250 fully funded scholarships to Government officials.
He said such programmes are strengthening bilateral ties and equipping Zimbabwean experts with critical skills.
Dr Masuka, in turn, praised India’s agricultural advancements and its successful push for the United Nations’ declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
He said millets could play a crucial role in boosting food security in Zimbabwe, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
The minister also said there is need for increased mechanisation in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector and sought India’s support in this area.
“Zimbabwe stands to benefit significantly from India’s experience in mechanisation and climate-resilient farming,” Minister Masuka said.
Ambassador Kumar reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation.
He singled out the US$1 million climate-resilient agriculture project, delivered in 2023 through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund in Chiredzi and Mangwe.
He also encouraged Zimbabwe to expand its agro-exports to India, identifying it as a key market for Zimbabwean produce.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter