Farm productivity of Africa provides scope for Asian investment

Africa’s low farm productivity and the non-cultivation of half its arable land, coupled with the pressure of increasing populations and urbanisation on farm land in Asia, provide opportunities for responsible investment by Asian countries in Africa  to promote agricultural growth, diversification and employment without comprising on domestic food security. This was stated by agriculture and food processing industries minister Sharad Pawar during his keynote address at the Asia-Africa Agribusiness Forum, organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the agriculture ministry.

“The great competitive advantage for Africa is its 733 million hectare arable land, which accounts for 27.4 per cent of the total arable land in the world. Currently, only 183 million hectare land is under cultivation in sub-Saharan Africa, and approximately 452 million still remains uncultivated. Agricultural land in Asia is under pressure from the increasing population and urbanisation. This gives rise to opportunities for investment by Asian countries in the African region,” the minister added, and informed that in Asia, more than 2.2 billion people directly or indirectly depend on agriculture for their livelihood. READ MORE 

Source:  FnBnews.com   #IFAMAFRICA