Meghalaya to collaborate with Israel for improvement & promotion of farmers' livelihoods

Shillong: In a latest development, the government of Meghalaya has joined hands with Israel for setting up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) on high-value vegetables in the state. This move is expected to improve the condition of the farmers of the Northeast Indian state.

According to a statement, the CoE is vital to tap the "diverse bio-diversity and resources available in the State" in terms of its soil and agro-climatic conditions. It shall also give impetus for further research and expansion into multi-fold aspects including tourism potential considering the State has a gene pool of important vegetables, fruits, and plants such as the Citrus fruits in Nokrek, East Garo Hills District."

A meeting to discuss these issues was held on Wednesday between Israeli representatives (including the Israeli Ambassador to India) and senior officials from the State agriculture department. In this meeting, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.

In a meeting held on Tuesday via video conference with representatives from the partner country and senior officials from the State agriculture department, chief minister Conrad Sangma instructed the concerned department to focus on research on "quality seedlings and planting materials."

By collaborating with Israel, Meghalaya is expected to benefit in terms of fustigation, protected cultivation, quality planting materials, etc.

During the meeting, Sangma further stressed on the need to develop and facilitate market linkages and explore the potential for crossing over to global markets, especially Bangladesh.

Initially, the CoE will focus on seasonal and high-value vegetables and water management through small multipurpose reservoirs, ponds for irrigation, fisheries, etc.

In a second phase, it will concentrate on the expansion of the research and development of citrus fruits.

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