Union Agriculture Minister Pays Visit to Israeli Agri Companies

A delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, led by Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar, visited Green 2000 – Agricultural Equipment and Know-How Ltd. and NETAFIM Ltd. in Israel yesterday.

During his meeting with Israeli representatives, Tomar stated that the agricultural relations established between India and Israel will give the Indian agriculture sector new dimensions.

Our ties have grown stronger in recent years, and the future vision of cooperation is a strong hi-tech partnership for both knowledge-based economies.

Agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar met with experts from these companies to discuss various developmental aspects of modern farming practices. The main topics of discussion during the visit were nursery practices, planting material for fruit trees and vineyards, post-harvest technology, greenhouse farming, micro and smart irrigation systems, and improved dairy and poultry farming.

According to Tomar, Israel has made over 300 investments in India, primarily in the high-tech and agricultural sectors. Micro-irrigation is important for increasing water use efficiency at the farm level, lowering input costs, and ultimately helping farmers increase their income.

Netafim is India's leading micro-irrigation company. India has a strong partnership with Netafim in the field adoption of micro irrigation and drip irrigation.

Union Minister Tomar stated that a dedicated Micro Irrigation Fund has been established with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the Government of India to assist States in mobilizing additional resources for expanding Micro Irrigation coverage.

Union Minister Tomar will visit a dessert farm owned by Indian-origin farmers producing Indian vegetables in the Volcani and Negev desert region on May 10th. Tomar will also inspect ALTA Precision Agriculture Company Ltd's demonstration of drone use.

(Source: PIB)