New Delhi: Ambassador of Israel, Reuven Azar, met with Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi today. The meeting served as an important platform to discuss opportunities for enhancing cooperation between India and Israel in the agricultural and allied sectors, with a special focus on food security, sustainable supply chains, and innovative agricultural technologies.
Dr. Chaturvedi emphasized the longstanding and fruitful partnership between India and Israel, particularly in areas such as agriculture, irrigation systems, and crop management. He outlined the Indian government’s efforts to implement key projects, such as the recycling of sewage water for agricultural use, which aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision for more sustainable agricultural practices. He also highlighted the importance of trade relations and grain storage issues as pivotal components of India’s agricultural strategy.
The meeting also addressed the upcoming visit of the Israeli Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, a critical step in furthering bilateral cooperation. The discussions explored the significant impact of Centers of Excellence (CoEs), which have been set up across 20 states in India. These centers have played a pivotal role in improving agricultural productivity, precision irrigation, post-harvest management, and tackling market access challenges.
Dr. Chaturvedi reiterated the mutual benefits that both countries stand to gain from strengthening cooperation in agricultural innovation, technologies, and horticulture. The discussions concluded with a shared commitment to expanding Indo-Israel collaboration in these critical areas, emphasizing that both nations could significantly benefit from their partnership.
The Israeli delegation was led by Reuven Azar, with Fares Saeb, Deputy Chief of Mission, also participating in the meeting. On the Indian side, senior officials from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW), including Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Joint Secretary (MIDH), and Additional Commissioner (Plant Protection), attended the discussions.
The meeting reinforced the enduring and growing ties between Israel and India in the agriculture sector, paving the way for future collaborations aimed at fostering sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing food security in both countries.
