Here is some good news for orange producers and buyers. The famous Nagpur oranges will now have a longer shelf life, thanks to the bilateral ties between Israel and India. As per the agreement, Israel, known for its modern agricultural techniques, will open centres of excellence in three cities of the state.
Consulate general of Israel Orna Sagiv gave a lecture to postgraduate students of agricultural management at Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management on Wednesday.
She said, “Three centres will be opened in the state i.e.
Nagpur, Dapoli and Rahuri. The Nagpur centre will be operational in April this year. The centre will focus on citrus fruits, especially orange and provide technological expertise.’’ Talking about other two centres, she said, “We are working out on that front. As soon as the plan is prepared, we’ll announce the dates,’’ she said.
The technology includes a study on long shelf life of the fruit, strong resistance to various diseases, packaging and other things, she said. It will also include how to reduce the wastage of the produce after harvest, she said.
“India and Israel had inked an agreement in 2006 regarding give and take of knowledge and expertise. We will provide expertise while the state has to give us space,’’ she said.
She said 25 Indian students had visited Israel for studying agri technology. This is a four-year programme where the student gains knowledge in agri technology, she said. Both the countries will celebrate 20 years of bilateral relations at the month-end.
Besides agriculture, both the countries are involved in chemical deals, import export of textile and machinery.
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