26 Jharkhand farmers leave for Israel

A 26-member delegation of farmers from Jharkhand left for Israel on Sunday on a four-day study tour aimed at learning modern agricultural practices and exploring ways to increase farm incomes.

Chief Minister Raghubar Das saw off the delegation and urged the farmers to closely study Israel's farming methods and assess how they could be adapted to local conditions in Jharkhand.

"You are going to Israel on the pious day of Raksha Bandhan with an aim to increase farmers' income. Learn Israel's technique of farming and adopt it in our state and share the experience with others," Das said.

The Chief Minister highlighted Israel's agricultural productivity despite its relatively small geographical area, saying Jharkhand could also learn from countries and regions that have developed more efficient farming systems.

Das said Jharkhand currently produces less foodgrain than it needs and therefore remains dependent on supplies from outside the state. He expressed confidence that improvements in agricultural techniques could eventually help the state become self-sufficient and even supply foodgrains to other states.

The farmers' visit is expected to expose them to modern approaches to cultivation, water management and agricultural productivity. Sharing the knowledge gained during the trip with other farmers could help determine which techniques are practical for Jharkhand's soil, climate and farming conditions.

The initiative comes as the state government was seeking ways to raise agricultural productivity and improve the income of rural households through better farming practices.

The farmers will learn dairy farming, production of vegetables and fruits, drip irrigation and other things.

The team is being led by Agriculture Secretary Pooja Singhal.