EMRC fosters Africa, India partnerships

The Africa-India Economic Mission plans to highlight personalised business-to-business meetings, targeted financial organisations and entrepreneurs. The business meetings, organised in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industries, will be a means to develop the agricultural industry by providing opportunities for loans. Also featuring site visits and discussions with Indian heads of companies, the economic mission aims to encourage transfer of technology and know-how, as well as business collaboration and joint ventures between Africa and India. The 35 African delegates will be immersed in the high-end agricultural technology of India.

The five day economic mission's objective is boosting Africa's agricultural sector through relationship-building, knowledge and skills-sharing. The itinerary features up to seven field trips which include visits to research institutes that promote farmer empowerment by providing technological innovation in agricultural equipment and processing techniques. The group will learn how this innovation and technology has enabled Indian farmers to produce a superior seed quality and improve their irrigation systems and components, ensuring that yield is increased sustainably.

“The Indian technological advancements in irrigation systems and in the agricultural sector in general have increased productivity by rising groundwater levels and green cover which have, on the other hand, increased incomes. It is with great pride that we welcome our African counterparts in taking part in the Economic Mission Africa-India,” says Dr. William D. Dar, ICRISAT director general.

“When many parts of the world struggle against shortage of food, Africa is the place where production of food is easily feasible, but it requires better equipment and the right technology. With India's experience in the production of agricultural equipment and in the creation of innovative ways to explore agricultural land, India is the ideal place to organise our agricultural Economic Mission,” said Idit Miller, EMRC VP and managing director. “It is only when the right partnerships occur that they persist,” she continued.

While the delegation is limited to only 35 members, EMRC believes that the first Africa-India Economic Mission will establish the groundwork for a long and fruitful collaboration, leading to many more missions in the future.