Panaji: Israel, known worldwide for its expertise in agriculture, will help Goa in rejuvenating the sector and its allied segments.
Officials from Israel today held parleys with Goa Government on exchange of knowledge in agriculture field so that allied segments like horticulture and floriculture could be encouraged in the coastal state.
Consul General of Israel in Mumbai Jonathan Miller met Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and held discussions on providing technical-know how to the State on rejuvenating the horticulture and floriculture sectors in Goa on lines with Israel, officials said today.
An Israeli delegation has been holding a series of meeting with Goa Agriculture Department officials, including Director Prajapati Toofani, to ascertain whether agriculture projects can be taken up in Government-run farms.
Ilan Divon, Consul, Economic Affairs, Consulate General of Israel, visited Government farm at Old Goa early this week.
The Government is also looking at improving farmer training centres with the participation of Israeli experts.
"Israel is ahead in terms of farmer training and if we can get their expertise, it will help the agriculture sector in Goa," said Giriraj Vernekar, Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Minister.
The Israeli Government intends to increase the scope of studies for Goa agriculture officers visiting that country as part of National Horticulture Mission, he said.
"Besides the regular training, the officers can also be made to interact with companies dealing in farming products," Vernekar said.
A key issue faced by the Agriculture Department - how to cultivate on the rocky and marshy lands of the State - will also be addressed by Israeli experts, he added.
