“Israel is keen to increase research and development (R&D) and cultural ties with Gujarat,” he added.
According to him, Israel has partnered with Gujarat to establish centres of excellence. “Three Centres of Excellence are planned to be set up: one for mango in Junagadh, another one for vegetables in Vadrada and third one for pomegranate,” Miller said.
Miller is optimistic that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Isreal and India is likely to be finalised after a round of talks in February next year. Last round of talks on the issue was held in the month of November, he said.
“Israel is a world leader in advanced agriculture technologies. Israel's success lies in the determination and ingenuity of farmers and scientists and in the close cooperation between R&D and industry.
“These characteristics have created a flourishing agriculture sector amidst a difficult environment with limited ground and water resources. Amongst the many fields in which Israel and India collaborate, agriculture has always been front and centre,” he said.
