In order to meet growing pulses demand and control prices, India has singed a long term pact with African nation, Mozaqmbique for pulses imports.

The deal was signed between two countries at Maputo, Mozambique in the presence of Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, President of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi on July 07, 2016. PM Narendra Modi is on a visit to African nations tour from July 7, 2016.

Mozambique’s strengths are also the areas of India’s need. And, what Mozambique requires, is available in India. We complement each other, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi said in a statement released by Prime Minister’s Office today.

President Nyusi had highlighted agricultural development as his top priority. Our experts have since held discussions on how we can work together to improve agricultural infrastructure and productivity in Mozambique, the statement stressed.

Stressing further, the statement added, “Today, we agreed to put this cooperation on the fast track. We are also strengthening our partnership in food security. India commitment to buy pulses from Mozambique would help meet India’s requirement.It will also facilitate long-term investments in commercial farming, generate farm employment and raise farmer’s incomes in this country.”

However, the quantum of pulses import is yet not known. But as per an estimate, India’s pulses demand is around 23 million tonnes, whereas production is just 18 million tonnes annually.

To meet pulses demand, India rely on imports and every year, it import around 4 to 5 million tonnes of pulses from other countries.

Health care is another area where India’s capacities and Mozambican needs match well. India will be donating essential medicines for the Mozambican public health system, including medicines for treatment of AIDS, the statement stressed.