pact with Israel for saline water crops
JAIPUR: Agriculture sector in the state is likely witness a boost as
the government is set to sign an agreement with an Israeli company for
transfer of technology that would help produce crops in salinated-soil
irrigated with saline water. Some estimates suggest about 31% of the
area in Rajasthan comes under saline groundwater and proven Israeli
expertise in this field can spell boon for agriculture in the desert
state.
As an outcome of chief minister's visit to Israel, the state will get technical expertise in several areas of modern agriculture including cultivation of crops with the use of saline water.
"We have seen production of several crops in the soil where salt content is high. In some areas even saline water is being used for the agriculture purposes. Since Rajasthan too faces similar situations, it is likely that same methods can be adopted here too," said senior official.
A visit of Israeli delegation is scheduled to reach the state soon where the modalities of the agreement will be finalised. The officials claimed that main focus is to increase agriculture productivity without putting pressure on fresh water.
There are other areas, where agreements can be signed, include horticulture. "There are practices like use of shade net, poly net and green house where there can be some collaborations," said another official.
The experts also showed interest in producing biomass energy from grass. Nearly 800 hectares of land would be required for the project for which state government has a request from FSCI at Anupgarh. If the project is implemented, it will be for the first time in the country where energy is produced through such a technology.
The state is already having an engagement with Israel for setting up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for pomegranate in Bassi. In addition to Bassi, a centre dedicated for citrus is in the works at Kota, and in Jaislamer Israeli experts are working on prototypes of palm trees, with an aim to develop date growing in the state.
As an outcome of chief minister's visit to Israel, the state will get technical expertise in several areas of modern agriculture including cultivation of crops with the use of saline water.
"We have seen production of several crops in the soil where salt content is high. In some areas even saline water is being used for the agriculture purposes. Since Rajasthan too faces similar situations, it is likely that same methods can be adopted here too," said senior official.
A visit of Israeli delegation is scheduled to reach the state soon where the modalities of the agreement will be finalised. The officials claimed that main focus is to increase agriculture productivity without putting pressure on fresh water.
There are other areas, where agreements can be signed, include horticulture. "There are practices like use of shade net, poly net and green house where there can be some collaborations," said another official.
The experts also showed interest in producing biomass energy from grass. Nearly 800 hectares of land would be required for the project for which state government has a request from FSCI at Anupgarh. If the project is implemented, it will be for the first time in the country where energy is produced through such a technology.
The state is already having an engagement with Israel for setting up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for pomegranate in Bassi. In addition to Bassi, a centre dedicated for citrus is in the works at Kota, and in Jaislamer Israeli experts are working on prototypes of palm trees, with an aim to develop date growing in the state.
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