Israel backs modern mango farming in Marathwada

Upgraded Kesar Mango Centre of VNMKV, Parbhani aims to improve yield and quality

The Indo-Israel Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Kesar Mango on 12th May 2026 marked a significant step toward strengthening horticulture research and development in the region with the inauguration of its upgraded facilities at Fruit Research Station of VNMKV, Parbhani situated at Himayat Baugh, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The Consul General of Yaniv Revach lauded the Friends of Research Society (FRS) for taking modernization initiatives and upgrading the Centre of Excellence. Speaking at the inauguration, Revach emphasized that Indo-Israel collaboration would bring prosperity to agriculture in both India and Israel.

“To promote better agriculture and ensure the prosperity of Indian farmers, the Indo-Israel collaboration will combine technology with knowledge-sharing to improve both the quality and yield of crops. This initiative will benefit farmers in both countries. We will also facilitate training for experts by inviting them to Israel, who will, in turn, train farmers in the region in the future.”

The event was presided over by Dr. Indra Mani, Vice Chancellor of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth. The programme was attended by Sunil Wankhede, Dr. Mahesh Kulkarni, Brihma Dev, Joint Director of Agriculture (JDA), Marathwada region, and hundreds of mango growers from across the region. In his address, Dr. Indra Mani stated that efforts would be made to facilitate the training of experts in Israel at the earliest.

“The Indo-Israel collaboration will certainly help improve the livelihoods of farmers in the region. The fusion of technology and knowledge will work wonders.” He also appreciated the efforts of FRS in developing nearly one lakh mango saplings and consistently guiding mango growers to enhance productivity.

Shri. Sunil Wankhede expressed hope for large-scale sharing of mango rootstock and breeding material from Israel in the future. He noted that the Centre of Excellence would play a significant role in improving the financial condition of farmers. Officer-in-Charge and Project Officer of the Centre, Dr. Sanjay G. Patil, highlighted the important role of the CoE in disseminating modern mango production technologies through training programmes and field visits. He stated that the Centre has emerged as a model institution for modern horticulture development in Maharashtra. Assistant Horticulturist Dr. Ravindra Nainwad conducted the proceedings, and Sunil Wankhede proposed the vote of thanks.

Photo Caption: Dr. Indra Mani, Vice Chancellor of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, addresses mango growers during the inauguration of the newly upgraded facilities at the Indo-Israel Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Kesar Mango at Himayat Baugh, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Also seen are (from left) Dr. Mahesh Kulkarni, Sunil Wankhede, Consul General of Israel in Mumbai Yaniv Revach, and Dr. Sanjay G. Patil.