Haryana-Israel joint vision for innovation in horticulture sector

Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana and Israel Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Avi Dicter held an intensive discussion on future collaborations in the horticulture sector during their meeting at the Indo-Israel Centre of Excellence for Vegetables at Gharaunda on Wednesday. The meeting came a day after the signing of a crucial Agricultural Cooperation Agreement and Work Plan between the two nations in New Delhi.

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The Israeli minister stressed on the urgent need for water recycling to address contamination concerns in Haryana, saying, “We must utilise contaminated water for irrigation.” He said Haryana must explore possibilities on recycling initiatives and extended an invitation to Rana to visit Israel to explore advanced technologies being implemented in irrigation, seed cultivation, and climate-controlled farming.

Rana showcased the state's recent achievements in desalination and natural farming efforts, and highlighted the state’s mission to transform saline water zones, targeting 1 lakh acres this year. “We are also exploring the potential of floriculture around Delhi, which presents a huge market opportunity,” said Rana.

Haryana’s diverse landscape—ranging from the hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh to the desert borders of Rajasthan—was also part of the cultural context shared by Rana. “We have considerable share in India’s military and lead in medal tally in international sports events,” he said.

Dicter praised Haryana’s greenhouses and advanced cultivation methods, but pointed out the high costs involved in climate-controlled farming. “From open fields to fully monitored greenhouses, it is an expensive transition. The Haryana Agriculture Ministry must come to Israel to see how we are managing this with innovation,” he said.

He also spoke about upcoming technologies like hydroponics, where plants themselves alert about their nourishment needs, and expressed willingness to collaborate on developing high-quality citrus fruits like Israeli lemons—while acknowledging that not all varieties suit Haryana’s agro-climatic conditions.

On food security, he warned of the looming threat posed by global warming and declining agricultural productivity. “This will be the game changer in the coming years. We must upgrade seed varieties, improve yields, and prepare for the next decade. If we don't act now, we will suffer,” he cautioned.