BL Agro Announces Rs 7,000 Crore Investment in Tanzania
BL Agro said its proposed investment would be deployed in stages over 10 years. The Bareilly-based company said the programme marked its entry into international markets and formed part of its aim to become a Rs 30,000 crore group by 2030.
Edible oils will receive priority. Tanzania is a major sunflower producer and has oilseed resources that BL Agro intends to use for local processing. The company plans to establish production and processing facilities designed to add value within Tanzania and supply its domestic market.
The proposed projects span agriculture, dairy, animal husbandry, research and manufacturing. BL Agro said they would combine Tanzanian agricultural resources with Indian processing technology and expertise. The company also described Tanzania as a possible base for access to other East African markets and said the investment was expected to support trade, technology and economic links between India and Tanzania.
The announcement followed a visit to Tanzania by a five-person BL Agro delegation. The group met government officials and other stakeholders to discuss investment possibilities and a framework for the planned projects. The announcement came during Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s visit to India, where the two countries discussed closer co-operation on investment and bilateral relations.
Ashish Khandelwal, BL Agro’s managing director, said Tanzania had substantial agricultural and livestock capacity and scope to increase productivity. He said the company’s plans were intended to build long-term partnerships, support local communities and bring Indian technology and industry experience to the country.
Anisa K. Mbega, Tanzania’s high commissioner to India, said the government welcomed the proposed Rs 7,000 crore investment. She said the collaboration would bring technology, create employment, develop skills and support farmers through local value addition and sustainable growth.
BL Agro is also examining modern dairy infrastructure and ways to strengthen Tanzania’s livestock sector. It is assessing partnerships with local farmers through contract farming and the development of agricultural supply chains. The company said these measures would connect farmers with processing facilities and markets while supporting local production.
