New Delhi/Ahmedabad, Jan 17 (UNI) India-Israel relations got a major boost on Wednesday as opening new vistas both the Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and his 'friend' Benjamin Netanyahu expressed optimism of developing future technologies jointly by forging entrepreneurial alliances.
Both the leaders also inaugurated a newly-built campus of International Centre for Entrepreneurship and
Technology (iCreate) near Ahmedabad.
Addressing a gathering at Vadrad in Sabarkantha district, Prime Minister Modi underlined
that modern science can play a major game changer role and help develop agriculture
even in water-starved landscapes like Israel and Gujarat.
"It is a myth to consider that you need abundant water to ensure farm growth and
boost production. Israel has proved that every droplet counts. Emphasis should be on
making optimum use of water," Prime Minister said after visiting the Centre of
Excellence for Vegetables here alongside Israeli Prime Minister.
Mr Netanyahu once again displayed strong warmth in the personal rapport between him and
Mr Modi and said in Hindi, "Dhanyavad mere pyare dost (Thank you my dear friend)".
Mr Netanyahu also on Wednesday became the second global leader to undertake a mega 8-km
roadshow alongside Prime Minister in his home state of Gujarat. The two leaders embarked on an eight-km
long roadshow from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Airport to the historic Sabarmati Ashram
Last September, Mr Modi staged a roadshow with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Mr Netanyahu also said that his government's specially designed 'International
Development' scheme is being used abundantly in Africa and can be made use of
in India as well.
Set up under the Indo-Israel Agriculture Work Plan for exchange of advanced farming
technology, the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Protected Cultivation and Precision
Farming on Vegetables at Vadrad village near Prantij in Sabarkantha district provides training
and guidance in controlled farming techniques.
The centre also runs a successful Plug Nursery farming. Farmers shared their
experiences and briefed the two leaders on how the Centre has helped change their
entire perception of farming.
"We already have 20 such centres across India and soon we will have 30 of them,"
Israeli PM said.
For his part, Mr Modi referred to Israel Prime Minister 'Aliechem Shalom' depicting the bonhomie between the two.
Both the leaders also dedicated a centre of excellence for date farming at the Kukma centre in Kutch district.
"Since the Biblical days, Israelis have been growing dates, wheat, and conventional produce. We have created
new parameters in agriculture through scientific methods in a desert like Israel," said Mr Netanyahu.
Mr Modi said Israel shows the way on how to transform a nation with the agriculture sector at the core.
"As we work towards doubling farmers income by 2022, the factors such as optimum utilisation of land
resources, minimum wastage and understanding the needs of the market assume prime importance," Prime Minister said.
Mr Netanyahu gifted the Gal-Mobile, a water desalination and purification vehicle, to Mr Modi.
Both the Prime Ministers witnessed the demonstration of a vehicle at Suigam village in
Banaskantha district.
Israeli Prime Minister and his wife Mrs Sara paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the historic Sabarmati Ashram
here and described The Father of the Nation as an "inspiring" personality.
“An inspiring visit to the hearth of one of humanity’s great prophets of inspiration - Mahatma Gandhi”, Mr Netanyahu and his wife wrote in the guest book at Sabarmati Ashram.
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