The article emphasized the difference that Israeli technology can make to India’s rural areas.  “Israel is already helping Indian farmers grow better produce with cost-efficient means,” it said. “Under the India-Israel Agriculture Project, Israel has been setting up centres of excellence in agriculture since 2008. Out of the proposed 26 such centres, 15 have already been set up.”

“This technology can help water-starved regions in India, especially Marathwada in Maharashtra and Bundelkhand in Uttar Pradesh,” the article continued.

The Times of India noted: “Agriculture and water will be the dominant themes for Modi’s first visit to Israel. The two countries will sign a strategic partnership for water and agriculture, as India works to pull its own agriculture and water sector out of a historical quagmire. Israel is a good place to start — this water-scarce nation is now a global leader in water technologies.”

Last week, the Indian cabinet approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Israel on water conservation.

“As part of the MoU, the governments intend to achieve several objectives such as putting water conservation on the national agenda in India, encouraging each citizen to save water in everyday life, promoting its re-use, recharge and recycling,” a statement announcing the agreement stated.