Latest news with #Indo-Israel
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Science
- The Hindu
Indo-Israel Agricultural Project helping farmers take up vegetable farming through poly greenhouses in Dindigul district
Dindigul The success of technology transfer can be gauged only in the long run and so it has been with the Centre of Excellence for Vegetables, an Indo-Israel Agricultural Project under the Horticulture Department. Established at Rediyyarchatram on 5.33 hectares in 2013, the institute acts as a prototype to showcase the use of technology in agriculture. Under the project, Israel brought in its know-how on poly greenhouses, insect proof net houses, mulching technology and advanced drip irrigation modules. The demonstration plots within the campus have helped create awareness among the farmers on the high precision methods that give optimum yields. The steady dissemination of precision farming has also brought about a revolutionary change among the farmers in this belt and it has created an openness among traditional farmers to adopt new technologies. On about 18 hectares of farmlands in the region, farmers have erected polyhouses and are cultivating tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers and melons. Before 2015, G. Muthulakshmi and her family living near Reddiyarchathiram were growing groundnuts and shallots in their one acre farm. She had no control on the produce: predictable weather meant a good harvest or it was tough to make both ends meet. But in 2016, the centre's outreach programme and hand-holding helped the family set up a polyhouse on half an acre. Now, she and her son Karthikeyan, a mechanical engineer who left his lucrative job, are busy reaping success by growing English cucumbers. From half an acre, they are able to get a profit of ₹12 lakh per year. S. Dileep, Deputy Director Horticulture, says the polyhouse technology and controlled environment have helped remove pest or pathogen infections, thus increasing yield and reducing overhead costs in the form of less use of manpower and almost nil use of insecticide and pesticides. Satish, a researcher at the centre, points out that various technologies like portray have helped in the maximum use of seeds. As seedbeds used in this methodology are pathogen-free, the saplings are stronger and can be transplanted with very less mortality rate, he says. Technology-driven farming practices rely on a proper fertilizer and irrigation schedule. The farms are criss-crossed by pipes that start from a control head or fertigation station. With all fertilizers being water soluble, this mechanised hub is automated and the right dose of fertilizer is discharged from the tank and then this solution through control valves passes through these pipes reaching each plant without wastage. Due to mulch covers in these farms, the moisture content is retained, weeds are arrested and growth of the crop is lush. Though the government is giving 50 per cent subsidy for setting up polyhouses, Mr. Satish says technology and agriculture can go hand in hand for farmers who have large land holdings. In India, where the majority of farmers have small land holdings, tapping technology would come at a high cost. To combat this, if there is a healthy farmers-producers organisation at play, then technology combined with agriculture will open more avenues in export like packaging and value-addition. It will also enable creation of infrastructure in the region like cold storage facilities that would enable the farmers to decide on the price of their produce. Upbeat about the change slowly happening, the officials at the centre say the day is not very far when Dindigul may become an export hub for vegetables.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Uttar Pradesh Bolsters Farming Future with Centres of Excellence backed by international expertise
1 2 Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh is heading to cement its place as a hub for cutting-edge agriculture practices and currently ranks second in India for Centres of Excellence (CoEs) powered by Indo-Israel-Dutch technology, said Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Horticulture, Dinesh Pratap Singh. Centers, located in Mirzapur, Bundelkhand, and Barabanki, are focusing on dragon fruit, citrus fruits, and flower-vegetable cultivation with the help of new techniques and international expertise to rural heartlands. In Jhansi's Barua Sagar, the CoE for citrus is gearing up at the Horticulture and Training Center. "Israeli experts, under the Indo-Israel project, are bringing their world-renowned knowledge to guide farmers in growing limes, lemons, kinnows, and grapefruits. This marks another milestone for Uttar Pradesh, which already ranks second in India for CoE built with Indo-Israel technology," said minister Dinesh Pratap Singh. While in Barabanki's Sonikpur village, nestled in the Trivediganj development block of Haidergarh tehsil, the first-ever Indo-Dutch CoE for vegetables and flowers is taking shape. Experts from the Netherlands have already visited, their boots crunching on the soil as they surveyed the site, sharing know-how on advanced cultivation methods. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo Similarly, in Mirzapur's Deori-Kala village, the CoE for Dragon fruit is being set up at a government farm in Marihan tehsil. The Indian Horticultural Research Institute in Bangalore and Agricultural University in Kota, Rajasthan, are lending their expertise to introduce farmers to the exotic, vibrant dragon fruit and even dates. The center will showcase everything from planting to harvesting, helping farmers diversify and tap into growing markets for these high-value crops. "These centers aren't just fields and greenhouses—they're hubs of learning. Each one offers demonstrations and training on the latest crop varieties and techniques, from production to market. Farmers can walk through, see modern methods in action, and adopt them to boost productivity, diversify crops, and replace outdated practices with profitable ones," added minister. The state's existing CoEs—located in Basti (fruits and vegetables), Kannauj (vegetables), Saharanpur (fruits and vegetables), and Alambagh, Lucknow (ornamental plants)—have already set benchmarks. The six upcoming centers will specialize in fruits (Kaushambi), vegetables (Chandauli), honey (Saharanpur and Rae Bareli), and aeroponics potatoes (Hapur and Kushinagar), further expanding the state's agricultural portfolio. The Horticulture Department's achievements extend beyond CoEs. In 2022, it produced 76 lakh quality saplings in government nurseries. Now, with 150 hi-tech nurseries, the state aims to churn out 28 crore saplings annually—a 30-fold capacity increase in three years. An International Potato Research Center in Agra is also in the works, promising to elevate potato farming with global standards. Mango farmers, a backbone of Uttar Pradesh's economy, are set to benefit from innovative practices. "We're using paper bags to protect mangoes from chemicals and insects, ensuring premium quality for export," Singh explained. A planned Integrated Testing Treatment Park near Jewar will test and treat produce to meet international standards, opening markets worldwide.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Uttar Pradesh bolsters farming future with centres of excellence backed by international expertise
LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh is heading to cement its place as a hub for cutting-edge agriculture practices and currently ranks second in India for Centres of Excellence (CoEs) powered by Indo-Israel-Dutch technology, said Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Horticulture, Dinesh Pratap Singh. Centers, located in Mirzapur, Bundelkhand, and Barabanki, are focusing on dragon fruit, citrus fruits, and flower-vegetable cultivation with the help of new techniques and international expertise to rural heartlands. In Jhansi's Barua Sagar, the CoE for citrus is gearing up at the Horticulture and Training Center. "Israeli experts, under the Indo-Israel project, are bringing their world-renowned knowledge to guide farmers in growing limes, lemons, kinnows, and grapefruits. This marks another milestone for Uttar Pradesh, which already ranks second in India for CoE built with Indo-Israel technology," said minister Dinesh Pratap Singh. While in Barabanki's Sonikpur village, nestled in the Trivediganj development block of Haidergarh tehsil, the first-ever Indo-Dutch CoE for vegetables and flowers is taking shape. Experts from the Netherlands have already visited, their boots crunching on the soil as they surveyed the site, sharing know-how on advanced cultivation methods. Similarly, in Mirzapur's Deori-Kala village, the CoE for Dragon fruit is being set up at a government farm in Marihan tehsil. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The Indian Horticultural Research Institute in Bangalore and Agricultural University in Kota, Rajasthan, are lending their expertise to introduce farmers to the exotic, vibrant dragon fruit and even dates. The center will showcase everything from planting to harvesting, helping farmers diversify and tap into growing markets for these high-value crops. 'These centers aren't just fields and greenhouses—they're hubs of learning. Each one offers demonstrations and training on the latest crop varieties and techniques, from production to market. Farmers can walk through, see modern methods in action, and adopt them to boost productivity, diversify crops, and replace outdated practices with profitable ones,' added minister. The state's existing CoEs—located in Basti (fruits and vegetables), Kannauj (vegetables), Saharanpur (fruits and vegetables), and Alambagh, Lucknow (ornamental plants)—have already set benchmarks. The six upcoming centers will specialize in fruits (Kaushambi), vegetables (Chandauli), honey (Saharanpur and Rae Bareli), and aeroponics potatoes (Hapur and Kushinagar), further expanding the state's agricultural portfolio. The Horticulture Department's achievements extend beyond CoEs. In 2022, it produced 76 lakh quality saplings in government nurseries. Now, with 150 hi-tech nurseries, the state aims to churn out 28 crore saplings annually—a 30-fold capacity increase in three years. An International Potato Research Center in Agra is also in the works, promising to elevate potato farming with global standards. Mango farmers, a backbone of Uttar Pradesh's economy, are set to benefit from innovative practices. 'We're using paper bags to protect mangoes from chemicals and insects, ensuring premium quality for export,' Singh explained. A planned Integrated Testing Treatment Park near Jewar will test and treat produce to meet international standards, opening markets worldwide.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
MP pitches tech-led M'luru-Israel cooperation
Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada (DK) MP Brijesh Chowta on Tuesday met with Reuven Azar, ambassador of Israel to India, in New Delhi, and discussed deepening technological cooperation in sectors like agriculture, aquaculture, education, and water management. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now During the meeting, Chowta highlighted DK district's strengths in export-oriented crops like arecanut, cashew, coconut, and rubber, supported by a vibrant network of cooperative agricultural societies. Guided by the Prime Minister's vision of Viksit Bharat-2047, he proposed integrating Israeli technological expertise into DK's vibrant ecosystem, ranging from agriculture to startups, with the aim of strengthening the farming community and youth with cutting-edge innovative technologies to foster sustainable economic growth. MP Chowta called for facilitating visits by Israeli agri-tech companies to the district for on-ground engagement with farmers, introducing advanced technologies such as robotics, drones, and AI-based farm management systems, and adopting Israel's globally acclaimed water management strategies to enhance irrigation and conservation practices. He also proposed exploring technology cooperation in coffee cultivation as a new, export-oriented cash crop suited to the region's climate and topography. Ambassador Azar welcomed the proposal and expressed interest in exploring areas of cooperation that align with Israel's commitment to supporting sustainable and tech-driven agriculture in India. Both sides acknowledged the potential of this partnership to serve as a national model for innovation-led rural development, stated a release. Chowta assured full institutional support at both district and state levels to facilitate Israeli delegations and foster long-term collaboration. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The initiative marks a significant step forward in strengthening Indo-Israel ties at the grassroots level, and empowering Indian farmers with cutting-edge global innovations. Chowta holds discussions with Kant The MP also met India's G20 Sherpa, ministry of external affairs Amitabh Kant, at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi, on Tuesday. He held discussions on enhancing Mangaluru's tourism, trade, technology, infrastructure, and shipping potential through sustainable development and investments.
The Hindu
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
MP pitches for Mangaluru-Israel cooperation in technology
Capt. Brijesh Chowta, MP, on Tuesday met Reuven Azar, Ambassador of Israel to India, in Delhi and discussed about deepening technological cooperation in sectors like agriculture, aquaculture, education, and water management practices. During the meeting, Capt. Chowta highlighted Dakshina Kannada's strengths in export-oriented crops like arecanut, cashew, coconut, and rubber, supported by a vibrant network of cooperative agricultural societies. He proposed to integrate Israeli tech expertise into Dakshina Kannada's vibrant ecosystem ranging from agriculture to startups with the aim of strengthening the farming community and youth with cutting-edge innovative technologies to foster sustainable economic growth. The MP called for facilitating visits by Israeli agri-tech companies to the district for on-ground engagement with farmers, introducing advanced technologies such as robotics, drones, and AI-based farm management systems, and adopting Israel's globally acclaimed water management strategies to enhance irrigation and conservation practices. He also proposed exploring technology cooperation in coffee cultivation as a new, export-oriented cash crop suited to the region's climate and topography, a release from the office of MP said. Mr. Azar welcomed the proposal and expressed interest in exploring areas of cooperation that align with Israel's commitment to supporting sustainable and tech-driven agriculture in India. Both sides acknowledged the potential of this partnership to serve as a national model for innovation-led rural development. Capt. Chowta promised full institutional support at both district and State levels to facilitate Israeli delegations and foster long-term collaboration, the release said. The initiative marks a significant step forward in strengthening Indo-Israel ties at the grassroots level and empowering Indian farmers with cutting-edge global innovations, it said.
