What Nigeria can learn from India’s food security model

From subsidised staples to cheap credits and tech adoption, Indian food security success offers blue print for Nigeria.

Sanjay Jain, a chief and popular Indian national living in Lagos, says Nigeria can learn from the Indian model to boost its food security and economic diversification.

“India’s food security model continued to attract global attention,” he said.

“The country statistically ranks as the most populous country in the world yet we are self-reliant in food security. Leaders from different parts of the world often wonder how we achieved the feat,” he added.

Jain who is the chairman of Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO), noted that India is the second-largest rice producer globally, the third-largest producer of cotton, and the leading producer of sugar.

He stressed that India continued to export food produce selflessly across the globe, a feat that proves that the country has attained self sufficiency in major food crops.

On farm mechanisation and innovations, Jain explained that India’s agricultural success predates modern innovations such as soilless farming.

“Before soilless farming, there was vertical farming, which became successful in countries with traditionally normal agriculture land.’

“It allows for multiplied yields and bountiful harvests when compared to soilless farming, which is usually done in pots or water-supported environments.”

He acknowledged that although soilless farming currently delivers lower yields in percentage terms, it is gaining momentum and may become more successful in the long run.

He stressed that India remains largely an agriculture dependent country, adding that the government heavily supports the sector.

“Today, the Indian government provides various forms of support to farmers and the agro-industry,” he expalined.

“As a result, we are not only self-sufficient but also exporters of several farm products to other parts of the world,” he said.

Defining mechanised farming as the use of machines in land preparation and cultivation, Jain said modern technology has transformed farming efficiency.

“Machines help farmers achieve better yields and maximise land use. Every farmer now benefits from mechanisation, which ensures bountiful harvests and improved return on investment.”

“Farmers are getting their highest yields through mechanised farming.”

He also highlighted India’s seasonal farming structure: “In India, we have two major farming seasons. The first is Rabi, which runs from November to April, followed by Kharif, which runs from June to October.”

He explained that during the Kharif season, seeds are planted and later harvested for both domestic consumption and export, noting that some produce even has three cycles in a year.

Profiling JITO’s structure and global Reach, he disclosed that the organisation is a global business and social networking platform.

“JITO is an international trade organisation with offices in over 70 locations including several international chapters.”

“It was initiated 18 years ago in India and has grown into a strong global network of business communities.”

He clarified that while corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives are typically the domain of multinational corporations, JITO focuses on trade facilitation and networking.

“We provide platforms for people to interact, get guidance, and connect with the right business partners,” he said.

Using Nigeria as an example, he said: “If a Nigerian wants to trade in cashew nuts and is looking for a buyer, JITO connects that person to the right business partner. This applies to all forms of agricultural and commercial produce.”

He describe the organisation as a place where buyers and sellers meet.

Also, he described the organisation as inclusive and family-oriented.

“There is no discrimination. Whether you are Nigerian, Ugandan, or Indian, we see ourselves as one family. That is the beauty of JITO,” he said.

On non-violence and social values, he added that JITO also promotes physical wellness and ethical living, organising activities such as Ahimsa Run— a run to highlight nonviolence – the basic principle Jain community follow.

He noted that JITO’s message emphasizes peaceful coexistence and non-violence.