News @ Jains - ZAMBIA Agriculture Ministers Visits Jain Irrigation

The Hon Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives of Zambia - Mr. Mundia F Sikatana along with the High Commissioner of Zambia to India visited Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. on 10th and 11th of March, 2006. He was also accompanied by other officials of his ministry.

Mr. Vinit Verma - Deputy Director of Agriculture - Govt. of India also accompanied the delegation.

The Ministerial delegation was very keen to know new methods of irrigation which they want to adapt in Zambia. They paid a visit to all the production facilities and the R&D farm. During their visit they expressed interest in Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation, Tissue Culture of Banana, Fruit and Vegetable Processing. In addition they also expressed special focus on renewable natural energy resources.

They were convinced about JAINS capabilities to cater to large volumes of production and their capabilities to handle turnkey agriculture and irrigation projects.

In closing the Minister has invited JAINS to invest into Zambia by getting involved in the irrigation infrastructure development and ultimately setting up manufacturing units in Zambia.

The Minister has assured full support in Zambia to enable JAINS to set up their activities.

Jains have expressed their eagerness to enter this market, and shall be taking further steps to start working in Zambia.

As part of the Govt. of India "Focus Africa program JAINS are confident that they shall be able to get the necessary support from India for their exports to Zambia.

The visit remarks of the Hon. Minister are as under :

Quote
"Most impressed by the huge investment in irrigation equipment ideal for the agricultural industry in Zambia. I encourage Jain to invest in Africa in order to boost agriculture. I wish the government in Zambia to establish firm contracts with JAIN, and also wish Jain all the success".

MUNDIA F. SIKATANA, M.P.,
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE & CO-OPERATIVES,
ZAMBIA
11.03.2006