Israeli delegation holds talks on setting up Centres of

: An Israeli delegation, led by Consul General of Israel to South India, Dana Kursh, Monday discussed setting up of the two proposed centres of excellence in Tamil Nadu, with state agriculture minister R Doraikkanu.

During the brief interaction at the Secretariat, the officials held discussion on setting up these Centres at Krishnagiri and Dindigul and how assistance from Israel can benefit farmers in Tamil Nadu, an official release said.

India has chosen Israel as a strategic partner in the field of agriculture. The partnership evolved into Indo-Israel Agricultural project, based on a MoU signed by the respective agricultural ministers of India and Israel in 2006.

The partnership also envisages setting up Centres of Excellence in various States on crop diversity, increasing productivity and efficient water management.

In Tamil Nadu, the proposed Centres for Excellence is expected to come up in Krishnagiri and Dindigul, respectively. It would be the first agro-technology development centre to be established in State with support from Isreal.