Discussions were held on Indo-Israel High-Tech Farm Demonstration Unit that was established at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute way back in 1996
A three-member delegation led by Naor Gilon, Ambassador of Israel recently met Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & DG (ICAR) at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.
The delegation discussed the Indo-Israel Cooperation in the area of agricultural R&D. The famous Indo-Israel High-Tech Farm Demonstration Unit was established at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi with its Foundation Stone laid by the President of Israel on December 31, 1996.
The project demonstrated the peri-urban, high technology methods of growing flowers, vegetables and fruits with precision farming using the latest techniques of greenhouse cultivation, net houses, fertigation, soil-less culture and open field crop production.
The project proved a nerved centre for furthering the protected cultivation and later establishment of Centre of Excellence in the State of Haryana and others with the cooperation of the Israeli Government. About 3,000 professionals were trained under this project. The Centre played a significant role in spreading the protected cultivation technology to over 0.23 Million ha area in the country.
The Additional Secretary (DARE) & Secretary (ICAR); DDG (Crop Sciences); ADG (International Relations); Director, ICAR-IARI and other Senior Officials from DARE/ICAR participated in the Meeting. From Israel side, Yair Eshel, Agriculture Attache (MASHAV) and Brihamadev, Project Officer (MASHAV) joined the meeting.
