India and Israel to Enhance Agricultural Collaboration
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Synopsis
On April 8, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Israel’s Minister of Agriculture, Avi Dichter, signed an agreement to enhance agricultural cooperation. The agreement focuses on key areas like soil management, horticulture, and research, aiming to strengthen ties between India and Israel.
Key Takeaways
- Collaboration on agricultural development
- Focus on technology transfer
- Joint research initiatives
- Emphasis on food security
- Five-year seed improvement plan
New Delhi, April 8 (NationPress) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Israel’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Avi Dichter, signed a significant agricultural cooperation agreement and work plan on Tuesday, aimed at fortifying relations between the two countries in crucial areas of agricultural advancement.
This agreement marks a pivotal move in enhancing collaboration in the agriculture sector.
The pact is anticipated to enhance cooperation in soil and water management, horticulture, post-harvest technology, farm mechanization, animal husbandry, and research and development.
Chouhan highlighted that India, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is evolving as one of the swiftest-growing major economies and remains committed to global welfare.
He acknowledged the impact of MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, in the success of India-Israel Agricultural Work Plans, particularly through the network of 43 Centres of Excellence (CoEs).
“Out of these, 35 are fully operational across India and are instrumental in modernizing Indian agriculture,” he stated.
Chouhan also commended Israel's innovative ‘villages of excellence’ concept, which links 30 villages to each centre of excellence to promote rural development.
Dichter emphasized the strong connection between the two nations and expressed Israel’s eagerness to collaborate on developing high-yield seed varieties and advancing agricultural technologies, particularly in response to climate change.
He also expressed interest in India’s digital agriculture mission and its role in empowering farmers through technology-driven solutions.
With a growing population and diminishing landholdings, Chouhan urged for greater collaborative research between Indian and Israeli scientists to ensure that better quality seeds and technologies are delivered to farmers promptly.
The meeting also covered discussions regarding market access and reviewed existing partnerships in the horticulture sector.
A joint working group is being established to facilitate ongoing dialogue and to outline a definitive roadmap with clear objectives and timelines.
The two parties agreed to collaborate in several critical areas, including food security, technology transfer, pest management, capacity building, and post-harvest technology.
They also deliberated the initiation of a five-year seed improvement plan to enhance productivity and ensure sustainability in farming practices.
