Business Guide | Israel-India 2022

Indo-Israel Agricultural Project A gricultural development and food security have always been important pillars of cooperation between Israel and India since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992 . The Indo-Israel Agricultural Partnership (IIAP) is a project meant to build amodel ecosystem in agriculture that can be duplicated throughout the country. The goals are to increase net income and livelihood of the farmer, transform traditional farms intomodern-intensive farms based on IIAP standards, build and establish a large-scale & complete value chain approach with economic sustainability using novel Israeli technologies andmethodologies, all tailored to local conditions. Role of MASHAV MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, shares advanced agricultural technologies and best practiceswithmillions of Indian farmers at INDO- ISRAEL Centers of Excellence. At present, there are 29 fully active Centers of Excellence across 12 states in India and the thirtieth will be inaugurated this year. These centers implement Israeli agro-techniques tailored to local conditions and provide training to farmers. Every year, these centers producemore than 40 million premium quality vegetable seedlings, over 500 , 000 high quality fruit plants, and train more than 120 , 000 Indian farmers. MASHAV also brings Israeli experts to Indiawho train the trainers of these centers throughout the year. Similarly, Indian agricultural officers heading these centers receive training in Israel. Indo-Israel Villages of Excellence In the latest development, governments of both countries have agreed to establish Indo-Israel Villages of Excellence. This program will transform traditional farms into modern-intensive farms, and improve the productivity and livelihoods of Indian farmers. The programwill focus on modern agriculture infrastructure, capacity building and market linkage. Such joint collaborations in agriculture play an important role in doubling farmers’ income and benefitting the entire farming community in India. Through shared research, transfer of knowledge, and encouraging sustainability, the Centers of Excellence act as ameeting point andworking environment for Academy, Government and farmers to cooperate towards fruitful achievements. Article and photos courtesy MASHAV Israel- India: A Growing Partnership in Agriculture Centers of Excellence Operated by MASHAV Help Indian Farmers Get Better Crops & Higher Yields Israel-India > Business Guide > 2022 36 > Agriculture &Water > MASHAV