India & Israel Sign Partnership Agreement Covering Agriculture, Horticultural, Animal husbandry, Agriculture Mechanisation

New Delhi, April 9 (KNN) India and Israel formalised a significant agricultural partnership on Tuesday through a comprehensive agreement aimed at advancing bilateral cooperation in agriculture, bolstering food security, and modernising farming practices. 

The agreement was signed in Delhi by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Israel's Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Avi Dicter, during Dicter's first official visit to India in his current role.

The newly established partnership encompasses several critical agricultural domains, including soil and water management, horticultural and agricultural production, post-harvest and processing technology, agriculture mechanisation, animal husbandry, and research and development. 

Both nations have pledged to expand their collaborative efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability through joint initiatives.

During the signing ceremony, Minister Chouhan highlighted India's agricultural advancements under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, noting that India's approach to global partnerships is guided by the philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (world is one family). 

Chouhan also acknowledged the significant contributions of the 43 centers of excellence across India, which have been instrumental in the success of previous India-Israel agricultural projects.

The discussions between the two countries centered on addressing pressing challenges such as climate change and population growth. 

A key focus area that emerged was the development of a five-year seed improvement plan designed to create high-quality, high-yielding seed varieties to enhance agricultural productivity and strengthen food security measures.

Israeli Minister Dicter emphasised the shared challenges facing both nations, particularly regarding climate change and the need for technological innovation in agriculture. 

He expressed confidence that joint ventures between Israel and India could make substantial contributions toward overcoming these challenges and improving global food security.

The ministerial meeting also included exchanges on expanding agricultural technologies, with particular emphasis on pest management, capacity building, and post-harvest technologies. 

Both sides agreed to collaborate on developing and implementing advanced technologies to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.

India's digital agriculture mission, which has empowered farmers through innovative tools and technology, was also discussed during the meeting. 

The Israeli delegation expressed significant interest in these initiatives and the potential for collaborative efforts in agricultural digitalisation.

To ensure continued progress and cooperation, India and Israel agreed to establish a joint working group that will facilitate ongoing dialogue and develop a clear roadmap with defined goals and timelines. 

This group will focus on specific areas of cooperation, including market access, agricultural research, and the expansion of centers of excellence.

Minister Chouhan reaffirmed India's commitment to global welfare, stating that the partnership between India and Israel will play a crucial role in addressing the global food security crisis. 

He extended an invitation to the Israeli delegation to participate in World Food India 2025, signaling India's openness to further collaborations in the agricultural sector.

(KNN Bureau)