In a bid to address domestic shortages, Indian companies should consider investing in Africa for production of pulses and oilseeds, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said today.

India is dependent on import of pulses and edible oils due to a huge supply-demand gap. It imports 4-5 million tonnes (MT) of pulses and 13-14 MT of edible oils annually.

“Can we think of a dispensation where Indian companies can consider investing in Africa for growing pulses and oilseeds, which are in short supply in India. Similarly, African businesses can think of engaging mutually beneficial collaborators in India,” Singh said at India-Africa Agribusiness Forum organised by industry body Ficci.

India attaches great importance to private sector participation in agriculture and agri-business. There is an impressive presence of private sector, including large business groups in food processing, logistics, supply chains including cold chains, he said.