Farmers in Haryana can look forward to improving productivity of their fields by using latest technology as well as venture into high value crops by 2010. The state?s horticulture department has entered into a pact with the Israel government to develop two centres of excellence for fruits and vegetables at Sirsa and Karnal respectively. Once these centres are operational, farmers will be introduced to the latest mechanised farming techniques in the demonstration unit, and get training for the same.
The plan is to establish intensive crop cultivation sites by demonstrating the latest agricultural technologies, demonstrate ways and means of cultivating high quality fruits and vegetables aimed for the national and international markets all-year around and achieve optimum productivity and profitability per unit area.
According to horticulture department officials, the projects will catalyse an investment of around Rs 15.7 crore and will be funded under the National Horticulture Mission. This Indo-Israel work plan is a bilateral agreement between Centre and the government of Israel. While Haryana bagged these projects, other contenders included Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
After evaluating the projects the ambassador of Israel, Mark Sofer, visited Haryana in July 2008, followed by a team of experts who studied the viability of the projects between November 26, 2008, and December 5, 2008. The final presentation was made in March this year in front of the implementation committee and the Centre approved the projects in June.
Satyavir Singh, director, horticulture department, Haryana, told FE,?The centre of excellence for fruits will be set up at Mangiana in Sirsa district at a cost of Rs 9.7 crore. It will be spread over 50 acres where all the processes from seed sowing to post harvest management will be taken up under different climatic conditions.?