In a significant diplomatic move, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, is set to embark on an official visit to Israel from January 13 to 15. This trip aims to fortify bilateral ties, particularly in the vital sectors of fisheries and aquatic agriculture.
The visit comes at a crucial juncture when India is ramping up its focus on sustainable aquaculture and deep-sea fishing initiatives. Israel, renowned for its cutting-edge technologies in water management, precision agriculture, and innovative fish farming techniques, offers a perfect partner for collaboration.
During his three-day stay, Minister Singh will engage in high-level meetings with Israeli counterparts, including officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Discussions will center on technology transfer, joint research projects, and capacity-building programs for Indian fishermen and aquaculturists.
Key agenda items include Israel’s expertise in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), desalination technologies for inland fish farming, and disease-resistant fish breeds. These advancements could revolutionize India’s fisheries sector, which supports millions of livelihoods and contributes substantially to the national food basket.
The minister’s itinerary also features site visits to advanced fish farms and aquaculture research centers in Israel. This hands-on exposure is expected to provide actionable insights for implementing similar models back home.
This visit underscores India’s Blue Revolution 2.0, a government flagship program targeting a production surge to 22 million tonnes by 2025. Stronger Indo-Israeli partnership in this domain promises enhanced productivity, reduced import dependency, and bolstered export potential.
Stakeholders in the fisheries industry have welcomed the development, anticipating a new era of innovation-driven growth. As climate challenges intensify, such international collaborations are pivotal for ensuring food security and economic resilience.