Wednesday, November 16 2005 15:54 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Jerusalem: Israel Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has called for consolidating and further expanding cooperation with India in the field of agriculture.

During their meeting here yesterday, Sharon and India's Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar discussed various ways to strengthen cooperation in the field of agriculture.

According to Sharon, there is great potential for further cooperation.

The premier also extended an invitation to his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh to visit Israel.

Describing himself as a farmer, Sharon shared with Pawar his knowledge on the subject. Interestingly, the Prime Minister's family home, the Sycamore ranch, in the Negev is known for cattle raising.

Earlier yesterday (Nov 15, 2005), Pawar and his Israeli counterpart, Yisrael Katz, agreed to set up a Joint Working Group, which would be meeting towards the end of this year, to identify institutions in both countries that can collaborate in scientific research in the area.

Some of the areas outlined for emphasis are collaboration in the field of crop technology, micro-irrigation, dairy, food processing and joint marketing of food products.

Pawar also visited several Kibbutzim and Moshavim (collective farms) to see techniques in vogue in Israel in the fields of horticulture, fish breeding and genetic upgrading of cattle.