FNB News - Indian delegation visits Israel to facilitate R&D in food, exhange of tech

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Indian delegation visits Israel to facilitate R&D in food, exhange of tech

Friday, 29 July, 2016, 08 : 00 AM [IST]

Pushkar Oak, Mumbai

A delegation of Indian companies from food and agriculture sector visited Israel recently to work closely with embassies of both the nations and facilitate research and development in food, agriculture and allied sectors while ensuring exchange of technology and effective bilateral relations. The visit was organised by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industries of India (ASSOCHAM).

“Under a comprehensive work plan for cooperation in agriculture signed on May 10, 2006, between India and Israel, bilateral projects are implemented through MASHAV (Center for International Cooperation of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and CINADCO (Centre for International Agricultural Development Cooperation of Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development). Agricultural cooperation was formalised through three-year work plans,” explained a spokesperson from Assocham, while talking about the visit.

During the visit, the delegation visited research organisations to focus on horticulture techniques, and improve yields, post-harvest, genetics, and feed. It further focussed on drip irrigation techniques, dairy industry in Israel, machinery and engineering, developments in packaging technology, technology for modified atmosphere while packaging, round table discussions on the bilateral relations and information exchange, methods of production of export quality fruits and vegetables using minimal resources and desert agriculture and ornamental fish rearing and its market in Israel. A seminar on Israel agriculture and business environment was planned by Israel Export Institute as part of the visit.

The spokesperson further elaborated, “Israel is a major exporter of fresh produce and a world leader in agricultural technologies despite the fact that the geography of Israel is not naturally conducive to agriculture. More than half of the land area is desert, and the climate and lack of water resources do not favour farming.Only 20% of the land area is naturally arable. In 2008, agriculture represented 2.5% of total GDP and 3.6% of exports. While farmworkers made up only 3.7% of the work force, Israel produced 95% of its own food requirements, supplementing this with imports of grain, oilseeds, meat, coffee, cocoa and sugar.”

The companies which were part of the delegation included International Panaacea Ltd (IPL) which specialises in biological solutions for agriculture applications; Creative Agri Solutions Pvt. Ltd (CASPL), a leading research and consulting firm; GRV Agroproducts, a known name for its cold storage and packhouses; Coastal Packagers, a leading name among export houses in jute-based products; Madhav Consultants Pvt. Ltd, financial and management consultancy firm; and Rasi Seeds (P) Ltd, a supplier of quality seed and expertise in farming.
Israel-India bilateral relations
Israel and India established full diplomatic relations on January 29, 1992. However, even before that, Israel had a consulate in Mumbai, operating since the year 1953. Following the establishment of diplomatic relations, an embassy was opened at New Delhi, and the consulate in Mumbai became consulate-general. In addition, an honorary consulate operates in Kolkata. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, much progress has been made on the bilateral level.In January 2014, Naan Dan Jain Irrigation was awarded the Ramthal-Marol Integrated Micro Irrigation Project in Karnataka. This project is based on the unique concept of integrated micro-irrigation and will be the largest micro-irrigation project of its kind in the world for improving water use efficiency in canal command areas through conduit distribution and use of micro irrigation. Bilaterally India and Israel have been cooperating under following projects:

1.   The Action Plan for 2012-2015 expanded cooperation to various states in India. Under this, Israel agreed to set up 28 centres of excellence across seven states by 2015. These were spread across different fields and already 15 of them have been commissioned. These centres demonstrate an integrated and scientific approach to farming. In Maharashtra, the centres were set up for mango at Ratnagiri; citrus at Akola; and pomegranate at Rahuri. A centre for vegetables was set up in Karnal, Haryana. In Sirsa, Punjab, the centre for fruits was established.

2.   Third phase of agricultural work plan (2015-18) was signed in September 2015. Israel will set up a centre in dairy management in Haryana under this work plan.

3.   India benefited from Israeli expertise in integrated and scientific approach to farming, horticulture mechanisation, protected cultivation, soil treatment, orchard and canopy management, nursery management, micro-irrigation and post-harvest management. Visits of Israeli experts and capacity building programmes for Indian farmers and experts in India and Israel were key factors which resulted in a successful programme.

4.   Indian official and business delegations regularly attend Israel’s triennial international agricultural exhibition event Agritech, which showcases Israel’s achievements in agriculture. In Agritech 2015 (April 28-30) in Tel Aviv, India’s participation included the chief ministers of Maharashtra and Meghalaya and delegations from Telangana, Mizoram and Punjab.

5.   There are many joint ventures in the agriculture sector. Israel agricultural irrigation equipment is manufactured in three different locations in India and Israeli greenhouse technology and new species of seeds are widely sold. Mashav is active in India with many experimental and demonstration projects. It operates an agricultural demonstration farm in Pusa and regularly runs courses on developing small- and medium-sized businesses in rural areas.

Apart from B2B meets and round table discussions, the delegation will emphasise on investments in agro-processing and food processing sectors of India and strengthen bilateral relations with close working of the embassies.