Macedonia, the tiny south east European country which is wooing Indian auto component manufacturers with attractive business proposals, is keen to grow its ties with Tractors and Farm Equipment (TAFE), India’s leading exporter of tractors. Macedonia, which was part of the former state of Yugoslavia, ranks No. 3 in the World Bank’s report of ease of doing business globally.  The country has among the lowest taxes in the world with a favourable business climate and, thanks to its strategic location, can cater better to markets such as Europe, Russia, Turkey and Africa.

Yesterday, Ms. Mallika Srinivasan, TAFE chairman, hosted a meeting in honour of the visit of Macedonian prime minister Nikola Gruevski and his delegation to India. The Macedonian delegation explored the possibility of forging an enduring partnership with TAFE to develop the agriculture sector in Macedonia. TAFE has had a strong presence in the Macedonian market for the past two decades.

TAFE’s expertise goes beyond providing farm mechanisation solutions with an established competency in providing integrated farm solutions through JFarm. TAFE’s JFarm has developed a model of integrated farm practices suitable for small to large farms resulting in enhanced production and productivity. It follows a balanced approach to nutrient management with emphasis on low cost in-farm input creation, supported by mechanisation, tested soil and water management practices, appropriate crop and seed selection, advanced crop production and protection technologies to make farming viable with commensurate increase in farm profitability leading to improved livelihood.

Agriculture contributes 12 percent to the GDP of Macedonia with potential for much more. The country’s farming topography is akin to Indian conditions where small farms and fragmented land holdings are in majority. The agriculture there primarily consists of vegetables, fruits and vineyards which require lower horsepower tractors. TAFE says that as a leading player in the sub-100hp range of tractors and the second largest tractor manufacturer in India, it is suitably equipped to usher in modern agriculture in Macedonia.

Also read: Macedonia rolls out red carpet for Indian parts makers: http://bit.ly/1DSv2fW