Israel to open two agriculture centres in Bihar

After successful experiments in half a dozen states in India, Israel would soon open two 'agriculture centres of excellence' in Bihar, an Israeli embassy official said here Tuesday.

"We have decided to open two agriculture centres of excellence in Bihar, the first in the state. Israel has already set up 28 such agriculture centres of excellence in various states in India, which mainly focus on fruit and vegetable cultivation," Israeli embassy spokesman Ohad Horsandi said.

Horsandi, who is here on a two-day visit, said the agriculture centre in Nalanda district would be for vegetables and in Vaishali district for mangoes.

"Our aim is to help local farmers increase their productivity and improve the quality of their vegetables and mangoes," he said.

Horsandi told IANS that his country's thrust was to enable local farmers use the latest technology and knowledge provided by agricultural experts from Israel.

"Like Israel, Bihar also grows fruits like mango, litchi and banana and vegetables like potato. But it has the advantage of fertile land and plenty of water," he said.

He said there was scarcity of water in Israel and his country had the expertise in irrigation, water treatment and water recycling.

Horsandi said Israel was also keen on extending cooperation to Bihar in the dairy sector and developing cold chains.

"All this would depend on the government of India and Bihar," he said.

Horsandi said tourism was another attractive sector with potential and hope for expansion.