Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Radha Mohan Singh concluded his three day Israel Visit. The Union Minister led a four member official delegation to Israel to deepen bilateral engagement in agriculture.In his interaction with Agriculture Minister of Israel, Shri Uri Ariel on Monday, Shri Singh expressed satisfaction at the level of cooperation in agriculture between the two countries. Shri Singh also mentioned that there was potential for further collaboration in areas such as collaborative research, dairy and aquaculture. Israeli Agriculture Minister, Shri Ariel concurred that the potential between the two countries in agriculture was untapped.Prior to the meeting, Shri Radha Mohan Singh visited the Agricultural Research Organization - Israel's premium institute in agricultural research. Union Minister was briefed about post-harvesting technologies and food processing, areas which offer bright prospects to Indian farmers. Shri Singh also interacted with almost 30 Indian post doctoral students pursuing research at the institute and elaborated about recent initiatives by the government to woo more scholars to strengthen scientific landscape in Indian agriculture.
Shri Radha Mohan Singh also visited dairy facilities and a desert agriculture facility. Union Minister drew parallels between the geographical terrain in dry regions of India and the Negev desert where the desert agriculture facility was located. Productivity level of Israeli dairy is impressive and Shri Singh felt that Indian dairy growers could benefit from Israeli dairy expertise. Shri Singh also interacted with researchers and scientists of animal sciences department in faculty of agriculture, Hebrew University. During his visit to the department, Union Minister was introduced to aquaculture systems and fish breeding technologies capable of improving productivity levels manifold. The department also showcased featherless chicken, which could withstand high temperatures, bred by the department. Shri Singh said that there was scope for collaboration and absorption in aquaculture systems which was introduced to India delegation.Union Minister visited the Shafdan Water Treatment Plant which is Tel Aviv's main treatment plant that also treats waste water from seven cities surrounding Tel Aviv. Shri Radha Mohan Singh discussed the possibility of joining hands with the plant on flagship schemes such as make in India and smart cities.
Agriculture has been a main area of cooperation between the two countries ever since diplomatic ties were established in 1992. Under a bilateral agreement, various Israeli centers of excellence have been established in various states, covering a wide span of fields such as fruits, vegetables, horticulture etc. A number of Indian officials receive training in Israel and minister, during the visit, interacted with almost 20 officials who are currently undergoing a training programme in Israel. Both sides are also discussing a bilateral scheme to promote bilateral collaborative research.