Haryana: In a strategic push to internationalise agriculture and enhance farmer incomes, the Haryana government is actively encouraging farmers to explore cultivation opportunities in Tanzania, marking a significant step in India’s growing global agricultural engagement. Backed by the state’s Foreign Cooperation Department, the initiative is aimed at overcoming domestic constraints such as rising land prices and limited availability of farmland, while opening new avenues in overseas markets.
Officials confirm that the state has identified nearly one lakh acres of farmland in Tanzania for potential allocation to Haryana-based farmers. This move follows more than three years of sustained diplomatic engagement, including official visits, investor consultations, and policy-level discussions between Haryana authorities and Tanzanian stakeholders.
The initiative traces its origins to Haryana’s “Go Global” vision, introduced during the tenure of former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and now being advanced under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. As part of this approach, a dedicated department was established to strengthen international cooperation and facilitate structured global partnerships in agriculture and allied sectors.
One of the most compelling drivers behind this shift is the stark contrast in land affordability. In Haryana, agricultural land prices range between ₹25 lakh and over ₹1 crore per acre, making expansion difficult for most farmers. In comparison, Tanzania offers long-term leases at approximately ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 per acre for up to 99 years, presenting a highly economical alternative for large-scale farming.
The policy has already begun yielding results on the ground. A farmer from Bhiwani district has secured a 99-year lease on 65 acres of land in Tanzania for around ₹1.5 crore, while another Haryana-based investor has acquired 160 acres in the Morogoro region, demonstrating growing confidence in the initiative.
Agricultural experts and participating farmers highlight that Tanzania offers fertile soil, favourable climatic conditions, and access to global trade routes via the Indian Ocean, making it ideal for cultivating crops such as maize, rice, sugarcane, and horticultural produce. The country is also noted for high-quality cashew production, which holds strong export potential.
To ensure smooth implementation, the Haryana government is working to eliminate potential bureaucratic and legal hurdles. Officials are focusing on verification of land records, transparent agreements, and regulatory clarity, and are in the process of formalising ties through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tanzania.
Beyond agriculture, the initiative is catalysing broader economic engagement. A businessman from Yamunanagar has established a wood-processing unit in Tanzania, employing local workers and producing eucalyptus-based veneer for industrial use. Such ventures indicate that the collaboration is expanding into agro-based industries and manufacturing.
Government officials also see strong potential for boosting Haryana’s industrial exports. Increased farming activity abroad is expected to drive demand for agricultural machinery, irrigation systems, and agri-technology solutions produced in the state, thereby strengthening its export ecosystem.
At the policy level, the initiative aligns with Haryana’s broader vision of building long-term partnerships with African nations. Speaking at international forums, Chief Minister Saini has emphasised that the relationship is not merely transactional but rooted in “heart-to-heart” cooperation, focusing on knowledge exchange, skill development, and mutual growth.
Experts view this development as part of a wider trend in which Indian states are exploring overseas agricultural models to address domestic challenges such as land fragmentation, rising input costs, and declining profitability. However, they caution that the long-term viability of such initiatives will depend on policy stability, infrastructure support, and sustained institutional backing.
A high-level delegation from Haryana is expected to visit Tanzania in the coming months to assess on-ground opportunities and further strengthen bilateral cooperation. If successful, the initiative could emerge as a landmark example of state-led global agricultural expansion, reshaping the future trajectory of Indian farming beyond national borders.
