Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 15th May, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
Zambia has received an invitation to participate in the prestigious World Food India 2025, set to take place in September next year. The global event presents an important platform for Zambia to showcase its agricultural strengths, forge strategic partnerships and attract foreign investment into the sector.
The invitation was formally extended by India’s High Commissioner to Zambia, His Excellency Mr. Alok Ranjan Jha, during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Agriculture, Honourable Reuben Mtolo Phiri, MP.
Mr. Jha reaffirmed the enduring partnership between India and Zambia, particularly in the fields of agriculture and agro-processing. Discussions during the high-level meeting centred on deepening cooperation in key areas, including rice production, cashew nut development and the cultivation of pigeon peas an agricultural commodity experiencing rising demand within the Indian market.
Additionally, the High Commissioner expressed India’s keen interest in supporting Zambia’s farm block initiatives across all ten provinces. He noted that such investments would not only boost national food production but also contribute to broader economic development goals.
Highlighting the significance of the upcoming food fair, Mr. Jha described World Food India 2025 as a premier international platform that convenes food producers, investors, manufacturers and policymakers from across the globe. He said the event is designed to foster practical partnerships that drive food security, technology transfer and value addition in agriculture.
He further emphasized the importance of fast-tracking the implementation of existing bilateral agreements to unlock new trade and investment prospects for both nations.
In welcoming the invitation, Honourable Mtolo Phiri expressed Zambia’s enthusiasm to leverage India’s agricultural innovations and expertise. He underscored that participation in World Food India 2025 would enhance trade, deepen Zambia-India relations and expose Zambian agribusinesses to global markets.
Mr. Mtolo also reiterated Zambia’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with India, particularly in support of the President Hakainde Hichilema’s ambitious production targets of achieving 10 million metric tonnes of maize, 1 million metric tonnes of wheat, and 1 million metric tonnes of soya beans annually by 2027.
He emphasized that such partnerships are critical to unlocking Zambia’s full agricultural and agro-industrial potential.
The Agency.