Israel's 'more drop per crop' floors Maharashtra CM

Israel's unique agriculture techniques which afford "more crop per drop" has impressed Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is currently on a visit to that West Asian country.

"We invite Israel for technologies for drip irrigation, agri-equipment, post-harvest technologies etc. as Maharashtra needs them," Fadnavis said, according to a statement released here on Tuesday.

"We not only want to import technologies but also want to manufacture it in Maharashtra. That is what 'Make in India' and 'Make in Maharashtra' stand for. We appreciate Israel's policy of 'more crop per drop' and look forward for technological collaborations for such initiatives," he said.

On Tuesday, Fadnavis and Israel's Agriculture Minister Y. Shamir jointly inaugurated the three-day 19th International Agritech Exhibition & Conference 2015, featuring around 100 Indian companies collaborating with Israeli companies for the 'Make in Maharashtra, In Collaboration with Israel' initiative.

On the occasion, Fadnavis lauded Israel for making the best use of scarce water resources for agriculture and setting an example, and invited the companies there to invest in Maharashtra.

Fadnavis assured that through the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, efforts would be made to set up a special Israel Industrial Zone for the benefit of Israeli companies setting up ventures in the state.