The Ambassador of Israel, Mr. Alon Ushpiz, visited on Thursday (19/1/2012) the Indo-Israel Centre of Excellence for Vegetables in Gharaunda, Karnal, to attend the 1st Vegetable Expo, marking one year since the centre was inaugurated. During his visit, Ambassador Ushpiz met with the Minister of Agriculture of the State of Haryana, Mr. S. Paramvir Singh, and discussed with him the ongoing cooperation in agriculture between Israel and the State of Haryana.

After touring the various net-houses and poly-houses in which the vegetable growing techniques are demonstrated to the local farmers, Ambassador Ushpiz said: “this centre is a shining example of the great potential of agriculture cooperation between Israel and India. The concept behind these centres is to create a platform for joint Israeli and Indian agriculture R&D on the ground. We are hoping to establish up to 27 projects in 7 states across India, where Israeli technologies and knowhow will be demonstrated to the local farmers. In addition, we are in the process of establishing scholarships for Indian post-doctoral students in the field of agriculture, to study in Israel.  As we can see here in Karnal, the cooperation in agriculture between Israel and India will no doubt increase the yield of products, enhance their quality and lower their prices, thereby improving the lives of the Indian farmers and consumers”.