'Israel consulate in B'lore by Sept'

It will cater to needs of people in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu

Israel has the world's best management system. The country recycles almost 85 per cent of its water, said Israel Consul General Orna Sagiv speaking on Indo-Israel diplomatic relations at an interaction programme organised by Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in Mangalore on Tuesday.

"Water is the most priced resource in Israel. One pays a lot for water and the penalty for wasting it is even more. No one takes it for granted," she said and added that Israel has one of the biggest desalination water plants in the world.

The country pays a huge attention on food security. In spite of having only 2.4 per cent farmers, the country produces so much that it exports its produce to other countries, she said. All this has become possible because of agriculture technology and strategic use of resources, she said.

Israel has the most fertile breed of cows in the world where each cow produces 12,000 liters of milk manually compared to other breeds which produce 3,000 liters, she said.

Speaking about the tourism potential, Sagiv said that about 40,000 people from Israel visit India, mostly in search of 'Shanthi' (peace). Israel too has around 40,000 visitors from India. Many come for pilgrimage as the place is holy for Christians and Muslims.

Israel is a paradise for children with amusement parks, museums, science centres and others, she said.

Responding to a query on people not visiting Israel as they fear they will not be allowed to enter certain middle east countries in future, Sagiv said that one can apply for a 'Israel only' passport. This is the best solution, she said.

The Consulate General of Israel office will be opened in Bangalore September, she informed and added that the office will cater to the needs of people of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

She also said that three agriculture centers of excellence in association with National Horticulture Mission will come up in Kolar, Belgaum and Bagalkot.

The consulate is working with the Karnataka government. Agricultural exchange tours are being organised where a delegation of farmers from India visit Israel and vice versa to share knowledge on agriculture technology and practices, she said.