India has expressed its readiness to expand agricultural cooperation with Nigeria through technology transfer, technical expertise, training and investment, with a focus on improving farm productivity, food processing and food security.
Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria Abhishek Singh outlined the opportunities at the India-Nigeria Trade Forum on Agriculture and Allied Sector in Abuja. The forum, themed “Cultivating Trade, Growing Together,” was organised by the High Commission of India in collaboration with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce.
Singh said India and Nigeria share several agricultural priorities, including food security, rural development, employment generation and the adoption of climate-resilient farming practices.
India’s expertise in affordable tractors, drip irrigation systems, solar-powered pumps, improved seeds and fertilisers could support efforts to raise agricultural productivity in Nigeria. Opportunities also exist in food processing, where Nigerian demand for rice mills, tomato processing equipment, dairy technology, cold-chain infrastructure and packaging solutions aligns with capabilities developed by Indian companies.
The High Commissioner identified access to finance, standards, logistics and regulatory processes as important areas for improving agricultural trade and investment between the two countries. Better warehousing and transportation infrastructure could also help reduce post-harvest losses.
Seed technology is another potential area of cooperation as Nigeria seeks quality planting material to meet the food requirements of its growing population.
Singh also referred to India’s earlier offer of assistance in millet cultivation, high-yielding seeds, agricultural drones, digital farming technologies and nano fertilisers during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nigeria in 2024.
Cooperation is also extending to livestock and dairy development. Indian expertise is being applied in areas including animal healthcare, dairy farming, artificial insemination, breed improvement and farmer cooperatives.
The partnership reflects growing opportunities for Indian agricultural technology, machinery and food-processing expertise in Nigeria while supporting the African nation’s efforts to build a more productive and sustainable agriculture sector.