Zimbabwe invites India’s Dairy Cooperatives to boost agri-trade ties

ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe’s Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga, has extended a formal invitation to India’s prominent dairy cooperatives, Sumul and Amul, marking a significant advance in international agri-trade.

The invitation was extended during a high-profile visit to Surat, India, as part of the “Chalo Zimbabwe” initiative organized by the Chamber of Commerce.

The Vice President highlighted Zimbabwe’s government incentives for growth in these sectors, assuring potential investors of the absence of security concerns.

This effort forms part of a broader “Chalo Zimbabwe” initiative under the Chamber of Commerce, aiming to strengthen trade and investment between the two nations.

The move presents new possibilities for Indian dairy giants, especially as it opens an African market for cooperatives known for their successful models.

 With the expansion of Amul and Sumul into Zimbabwe, new supply chains could be established, fostering a cooperative model of dairy economics that may bring economic growth and stability to agricultural sectors.

The visit coincided with Sumul Dairy’s 74th Foundation Day and the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, creating a symbolic backdrop for discussions centered on agricultural development and cooperative enterprise.

Welcoming the products of Sumul and Amul into Zimbabwe, Chiwenga, said that trade between India and the African country is possible in the areas of animal husbandry, dairy, and technology transfer.

“Our government has many good incentive schemes for the dairy, animal husbandry, agriculture and agri-technology industry. You should take advantage of them. No one needs to worry about security as Zimbabwe has a safe and capable government,” Chiwenga said.

The news comes as the Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers (ZADF) advances breeding technologies to strengthen dairy herd growth and productivity in response to persistent challenges in the industry. 

Reported by NewsDay Farming, the initiative includes the adoption of artificial insemination, semen harvesting technology, and modern pregnancy diagnosis equipment to enhance genetic quality and efficiency in milk production.

According to ZADF’s national chairperson, Edward Warambwa, the sector has faced constraints such as high production costs, outdated infrastructure, and competition from imported dairy products. 

He emphasized that embracing reproductive technologies is critical in ensuring sustainability and competitiveness in the regional market.

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