India-Israel agree to further enhance cooperation in the agri sector

The government has decided to convert 150 villages around the Centers of Excellence into Villages of Excellence with technical assistance from Israel

Israeli Ambassador to India Naor Gilon called on the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar at Krishi Bhawan. Welcoming the Ambassador, Tomar congratulated him on taking over as the Ambassador of Israel to India. The minister expressed satisfaction at the functioning of 29 Centers of Excellence in 12 states which are producing more than 25 million vegetable plants, over 387 thousand quality fruit plants and can train more than 1.2 lakh farmers per year.

Tomar informed that it has been decided to convert 150 villages around the Centers of Excellence into Villages of Excellence with technical assistance from Israel, out of which 75 villages are being taken up in the first year to commemorate the 75th year of India’s independence where India and Israel will work together.

The Ambassador of Israel Gilon expressed satisfaction over the functioning of the Centers of Excellence, stating that these CoEs are a great example of cooperation between the two countries. The ambassador appreciated the working of ICAR institutes and showed interest in further collaboration with ICAR and making available the latest technologies available with Israel. He proposed the certification of CoEs to further enhance the standards and quality of services being provided to the farmers.

The government has decided to convert 150