Ladwa Centre play a pivotal role in promoting cultivation of high value fruits,

Ladwa Centre play a pivotal role in promoting cultivation of high value fruits, as viable option to wheat – rice cycle- Shri Singh

Human Resource Development is another area of high importance bearing significance to the Indo- Israeli collaboration- Shri Singh

Inauguration of Centre of Excellence for Fruits under

Indo-Israel Work Plan

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh today on the occasion of inauguration of Centre of Excellence (CoE) for fruits, Ladwa, Haryana under Indo-Israel work plan, said that the centre is an outcome of the MOU signed between the two countries in May, 2006. Shri Singh thanks the Israeli Government for their technical support in commissioning the project. Shri Uri Ariel, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Israel was also present on the occasion and inaugurate the Centre of Excellence. On the occasion, Chief Minister of Haryana, Agriculture Minister of Haryana, Minister of State for Agriculture Haryana, M.P. and MLA were also present.

Shri Singh said that the Work Plan was visualized to avail the latest technological expertise of Israel to accelerate the growth of Indian Agriculture.  In this context, Israel’s technical competence in the area of water management and protected cultivation is well known world over.  

            Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister said that fruits and vegetables occupy a prime place in Indian horticulture. Most of these crops are being produced by the small and marginal farmers by using conventional methods, resulting in low productivity.   However, with the development of protected cultivation and use of quality planting material there is a tremendous scope to enhance yield as well as quality for fetching good market price by the farmers.   In this context, the CoE at Ladwa assumes high significance, not only due to the fact that the focus is on fruits but also due to its proximity to Delhi, a high fruits consumption centre. The CoE, Ladwa spread over an area of 12 ha shall play a pivotal role in promoting cultivation of high value fruits, as viable option to wheat – rice cycle.

Shri Singh said that the major interventions of the Centre are focused for introduction of improved varieties/cultivation, demonstration of modern production and post harvest technologies and develop human resource & capacity building.

            Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister said that the Government of India has provided high priority for the successful implementation of the Indo-Israel collaborative projects.  Human Resource Development is another area of high importance bearing significance to the Indo- Israeli collaboration.   Many Officers and field functionaries have had the opportunity to visit Israel to gain firsthand knowledge and training on different aspects of horticulture.  While their experience is being gainfully utilized in India, there is a need to strengthen the calibre and skills of the Indian personnel deployed in the development of horticulture through the National Horticulture Mission.  The Centres of Excellence being set up should, therefore, play an effective role in disseminating the technology through training and demonstrations. So far, 26 Centre of Excellences have been sanctioned by MIDH under Indo – Israel Action Plan out of which 10 Centre of Excellences have already been completed during first two phases and commissioned for transfer of technology.