Shillong, Nov 3: “The relationship between Israel and India has been growing rapidly”, said Dr. Ron Malka, Ambassador of Israel to India, who is in Shillong to announce the partnership with Meghalaya Government for setting up of two centres of excellence focusing on vegetables and citrus fruits in Jongksha, East Khasi Hills and Dawagre, East Garo Hills.
Dr. Malka addressed the media in presence of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Agriculture Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh. Prior to the press conference a dialogue for collaboration between Israel and Meghalaya on high value vegetables was held at Pinewood Hotel in Shillong.
“The objective of the dialogue was to discuss initiative on setting up of centres of excellence in the State,” informed Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, while stating that India and Israel has been setting up such centres for agriculture and horticulture in different parts of the country, including Northeast.
On setting up of the centre in Meghalaya, Sangma said, “Discussion for setting up of centre of excellence in the State is in advance stage”.
“This is important because we feel that technology plays an important role in agriculture and horticulture. Keeping in mind the produce that we have in our state and because of the lack of technology and research, we are not able to get maximum benefit and profitability for our farmers”, Sangma added.
“We feel that with the support and collaboration with Israel, the leader in Agriculture technology, this collaboration will go a long way in ensuring that we can help and enhance the productivity of our farmer,” the Chief Minister expressed.
Dr Ron Malka said that there is immense potential in Meghalaya, and they are planning to help the farmers to bring added value chain and shape a competitive advantage of their agricultural produce. “This is the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of doubling the income of the farmers”, he said.
The cost of each centres will be about 10 cr each.
Welcomed HE @DrRonMalka to #Meghalaya as the State Govt. partners with #Israel for the setting up of 2 Centres of Excellence focusing on vegetables & citrus fruits in Jongksha & Dawagre with support from #MIDH, GoI. @narendramodi @nstomar @AgriGoI pic.twitter.com/xtFnJRFnzR
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) November 3, 2020
