Assam to get Israeli technology for bolstering agricultural sector

Guwahati: Assam government in Dispur heralded a new era of optimism as a centre of excellence for vegetables protected cultivation has been initiated for bolstering the agricultural activities by providing exposure to latest Israeli technologies to local farmers and helping them maximise their production & income.

State chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stone of Indo-Israeli centre at Khetri area in presence of Israeli Ambassador to India, Dr Ron Malka on November 2, 2020. The Rs 10.33 crore project is expected to be a value addition to Dispur’s efforts to double farmers’ income through infusion of technology in agriculture, agribusiness and food processing, said CM Sonowal.

The chief minister highlighted the tremendous growth story of northeast India in the last six years due to the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi. Sonowal commented that the region has been taken from periphery to the middle of the country’s growth narrative through substantial improvement in air, road and river connectivity for engaging in trades with south & Southeast Asian nations.

He also laid emphasis on Modi’s plan to make the region an organic hub and threw light on the State’s tourism potential showing interest in working with the Israeli government in generating employment. Sonowal also highlighted the potential collaborations with Israel in furthering the growth of start-up ecosystem in Assam through start-up exchange program and Israeli mentorship of various start-up projects in the State.

The Israeli diplomat underlined the growing bond of close friendship between India and Israel in the recent years. Even in fights against the Covid-19 pandemic, both the countries fought together, commented the diplomat adding that he welcomes Assam into the Indo-Israel partnership dynamics with the centre’s opening. Earlier Dr Malka led an Israeli delegation to call on Sonowal at his official residence and held a wide ranging discussion on various issues.

Tarun Gogoi hospitalised: Veteran Congress leader and former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi was admitted to Guwahati medical college and hospital as he complained of breathing problems on Sunday evening. Gogoi (86) was released from the government hospital on October 25, where he underwent treatments for two months on Covid-19 aggravated ailments.

The State recorded 166 new cases for novel coronavirus infections the last 24 hours. Presently the State has 8802 active Covid-19 cases as 730 individuals were discharged from hospitals today after medical interventions.

Altogether 196781 patients have recovered in the State, which has lost 931 persons to Covid-19 after it recorded a total of 206517 positive cases till Monday afternoon.