For learning new practices in agriculture, a nine-member delegation headed by chief minister Ashok Gehlot will leave for Israel on Thursday . Ministers and government officials will accompany the CM who will visit agriculture parks and study the latest technological interventions in water conservation and treatment.
As both Israel and Rajasthan have similar climatic conditions and face water scarcity, the state government is seeking support from Israel companies. The visit is aimed at bringing more technological expertise from Israel. “Having the same geographic conditions like Rajasthan, Israel has made developments in the field of agriculture. Its per hectare yield is among the highest in the world. Using minimum water and maximum output is something very much needed in Rajasthan too,” said an official who is accompanying the CM.
Some agreements in horticulture sector are also expected to be signed during the visit. The delegation is also scheduled to see water treatment facilities and techniques for water conservation. In Israel, 75% of the water used in agriculture is treated sewage re-cycled. Israel has already shown keen interest in transferring the technology to counter water shortage.
Though approval has been given for nine members, so far the only minister whose name has been confirmed is energy minister Jitendra Singh. None of the two ministers having agriculture portfolio are part of the delegation. Among officials, chief secretary, CK Mathew, principal secretary, agriculture DB Gupta, Purshottam Agarwal from PHED.
Earlier in March, Israeli ambassador Alon Ushpiz visited Rajasthan and extended the invitation to CM. He also laid the foundation stone for an Indo-Israel centre of excellence (CoE) for pomegranate in Bassi. In addition to Bassi, a centre dedicated for citrus is being developed in Kota and in Jaislamer. Israeli experts are working jointly with local counterparts on prototypes of palm trees and for developing a dates growing industry in the state. Some private firms have also ventured in olive plantation.
The chief minister will also meet the industrialists who are willing to invest in Rajasthan. Solar energy, diamond and gems industry are among the sectors where the government will seek investment from Israel. Israel is also looking forward to Rajasthan’s cooperation in developing their dairy industry.
src: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/CM-to-visit-Israel-to-study-water-conservation/articleshow/19717608.cms