Tsur said tremendous research and development efforts have helped his country to over come water shortages and improve yields.

He said Israel has developed high-yielding crops using little water. Isreal's achievements in imparting scientific research with farmers have been highly successful and can be of great importance to India. On his company, Agroexco, he said it was Israels' first 50:50 partnerhsip firm between the government and the farmers.

The company is also the leading exporter of Isreal's flowers, fruits and vegetables and earns $650 million annually through exports alone.

Tsur said Isreal seeks co-operation of Indian exporters to supply mangoes, grapes, flowers and other products during Israel's offseasons.Tsur called for encouraging private-sector participation in agriculture sector.

He also sought setting up of a standing committee between Maharashtra and Israel to promote agriculture development.