Rajasthan, Israel discuss steps to expand cooperation

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Friday met Israel's Ambassador to India Daniel Carmon in New Delhi and held discussions on expanding partnership in olive and dates production and dairy development.

"Rajasthan is quite similar to Israel in climatic conditions and both the partners could play important role in development of agriculture sector," Raje said.

Raje also requested the Israeli envoy to provide support in operations and management of olive oil refinery established at Lunkaransar in Bikaner district and provide training to the local staff.

Rajasthan in October 2014 became the first state in India to have an olive oil refinery. The refinery was established at a cost Rs.3.75 crore.

In 2007, the then Bharatiya Janata Party government headed by Raje had commenced the olive cultivation in the state and presently olive plantation is being carried out on around 182 hectares on government owned farms across the state.

"The chief minister sought from Israel to provide 'Table Purpose Variety' of olive saplings, so that its production could also start in Rajasthan," a statement issued in jaipur by the state government said.

"Israel can also support Rajasthan in dates production," the chief minister said.