Israeli envoy to India Dr Ron Malka has assured to set up an agriculture centre of excellence in Tripura, the land he found full of potential to lead others during his two day brief trip. Tripura has been the third state after Assam and Meghalaya in his pan-North East tour.
“We have seen great potential among the people of Tripura and people living in this state have a will to work and collaborate. I would like to see Tripura joining hands with Israel in the agriculture sector. Israel is ready to share its best practices, achievements and bring technological innovations here so that Tripura can easily achieve its goals. In India, there are 29 agriculture centers of excellence which are helping farmers to fetch better income. We want such a centre being established here so that Tripura farmers can access and get themselves trained in high yielding technologies of agriculture”, he said.
According to him, experts all the way from Israel will come here in the North Eastern states to guide the states on the latest technological advancements and its utilization. “Israel will extend all round support to the state for adding value to its products and technological advancements”, said Malka.
On being asked about his meeting with Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, he said, “the discussions have been fruitful and constructive. We are ready to share our experience in every sector. Agriculture has been given the prime importance during the meeting as it is the backbone of Tripura economy but issues like Health Care and water management also come up for discussion. We have discussed the certain technologies that can be brought here in order to enhance the income of farmers even to double their income according to the vision of Prime Minister Modi”.
On Israel’s pan North East plan, he said, “we want to increase Israel’s presence in the North East India. We have just nominated an honorary consul here in the North East. The office will be based at Guwahati but it will operate as a representative for the entire North East region. This will act as a bridge and facilitate people of the North East”.
On being informed of the under-progress work of SEZ and other trade friendly infrastructures that are getting readied in the state, Malka also assured to support Tripura in becoming a market oriented competitive entity.
“We shall share our experience. We shall help Tripura in facing the markets. To become more market oriented that will overhaul the entire chain of value addition and more precisely will help the state become a competitive force when it comes to quality and quantity. In simple words, we will help Tripura to become successful adopting Israeli technology”, said the Israely ambassador.
