Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Explores Collaboration with Israel for Crop Diversification and Enhanced Processing

The recent meeting between Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena and a delegation from Israel, led by Israeli Ambassador Naor Gilon, is a major step towards improving agricultural methods in Rajasthan. The purpose of the conference, which took place in the ministry building, was to look into potential areas of technical cooperation in horticulture and agriculture within the state.

Discussion on Potential Cultivation Ventures

One of the key points of discussion revolved around the potential for grape and date cultivation in Rajasthan. Both parties delved into innovative techniques utilizing high voltage (HV) electricity and pH water for enhancing agricultural production. This discussion indicates a mutual interest in adopting advanced methods to improve crop yield and quality.

Interest in Processing Guavas in Sawai Madhopur

Minister Kirodi Lal Meena expressed interest in seeking assistance for the processing of guavas produced in Sawai Madhopur. This indicates a recognition of the need for value addition in agricultural produce, which can lead to increased income and market opportunities for farmers in the region. The assurance of prompt engagement from the Israeli Ambassador reflects a commitment to supporting such initiatives.

Chief Secretary Vaibhav Galaria provided insights into the progress of excellence centres established with Israeli technical support. These centres, focusing on pomegranate cultivation in Jaipur, citrus farming in Kota, and date cultivation in Jaisalmer, have covered approximately 2,500 hectares of land. They have trained around 15,000 farmers in advanced agricultural techniques and provided planting material to 770,000 farmers for orchards.

Positive Impact of Israeli Technical Support

The Israeli delegation highlighted the positive impact of their technical support in these excellence centres. They emphasized their active involvement in overseeing improved agricultural techniques, benefiting thousands of farmers in the cultivation of pomegranates, oranges, and dates. Ongoing efforts to train farmers and provide high-quality planting material further demonstrate a commitment to sustainable agricultural development.

Hubs for Israeli Agricultural Technology Adoption

The excellence centres have emerged as hubs for the adoption of Israeli agricultural technology. The Israeli delegation expressed satisfaction with the progress and reiterated their commitment to continuing technical assistance. This indicates a successful collaboration that is yielding tangible results in enhancing agricultural productivity and livelihoods.

In a gesture of goodwill and knowledge exchange, the Israeli Ambassador extended an invitation to Minister Kirodi Lal Meena to lead a technical team and farmers on a visit to Israel. This visit aims to provide firsthand experience and insights into Israel's successful agricultural practices, fostering further collaboration and learning opportunities between the two nations.