Israel offering latest tech to farmers to up production

There is scope to increase vegetable and fruits production in Tamil Nadu by four times, said Dov Segev-Steinberg, acting consul-general of Israel in Chennai

Israel is offering the latest technology to farmers to improve production and there is scope for increasing vegetable and fruits production in Tamil Nadu by four times, Dov Segev-Steinberg, Acting Consul General of Israel, has said.

He was in DIndigul, Tamil Nadu, to inspect the Centre of Excellence for Vegetables, being jointly put by India and Israel at Reddiarpatti in this district at a cost of Rs 10.18 crore in 5.33 hectares.

Besides Tamil Nadu, centres of excellence have been put up in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat. There was a proposal to set up such centres in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and West Bengal also, he said at a function here yesterday.

Hybrid varieties of tomato, chilli, brinjal, ladiesfinger, and ash gourd were being distributed to farmers in this region through this centre.

Israel will focus on technology transfer and strengthening cooperation in four southern States where potential was very high, he said, adding, augmenting production was very important to ensure food security to growing population in the country.

About 20 lakh seedlings have been distributed to farmers, Deputy Director of Horticulture S.Raja Mohammed said in a release.