The Government of Assam has inaugurated a Centre of Excellence for Vegetables at Khetri in Kamrup (Metro) district as part of the Indo–Israel Agricultural Project. The facility aims to introduce advanced production systems and training programs for horticulture in the region.
The Chief Minister noted that the centre reflects cooperation between India and Israel. He explained that the project required resources, coordination, and long-term planning. The Government of India approved INR 5.84 crore (US$700,000) during 2020–21, and the Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project contributed INR 60 lakh (US$72,000) for land development. The facility uses Israeli technology, supported by central funding, and includes irrigation and crop-management systems.
The centre will conduct training for agricultural scientists and farmers to support horticultural production and promote the adoption of modern techniques. The Chief Minister encouraged youth to participate in these programs.
Officials reported that the centre has produced more than 700,000 seedlings, including papaya, tomato, marigold, coloured capsicum, lettuce, and broccoli. These have been distributed to farmers in nine districts. Visitors to the site can observe irrigation and field methods adapted to local conditions.
A central feature of the facility is its automated irrigation and fertigation system, which allows remote operation of water and nutrient delivery through mobile devices or computers. More than 600 farmers have received training. The project is expected to support the Dimoria–Sonapur region, which has established horticultural activity.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the support of Israel's Ambassador to India and Israeli specialists involved in the initiative. The centre spans 21.78 acres (8.81 hectares). It also includes a 1,200 square metre fan-pad greenhouse equipped with soilless cultivation, climate and humidity control, and boom irrigation. The system can produce 450,000 vegetable seedlings per production cycle.
Source: Northeast Today
