Maha govt to use Dutch technology to tackle drought

The Maharashtra Government has decided to avail the Dutch technology and expertise to tackle the drought conditions prevailing in several regions.
Agriculture Minister Eknath Khadse today said the Netherlands and Israel had agreed to provide technological assistance to Maharashtra to modernise the agriculture sector.
"We expect that the Netherlands will help us with its technology during one of the worst drought conditions the state is facing. We will use Dutch technology to tackle the drought conditions, to modernise agriculture, breeding of cattle and in other sectors as well," Khadse told reporters here.
A meeting will be held between the officials of agriculture department and Netherlands Foreign Trade Minister Lilianne Ploumen and his colleague, Agriculture Minister Sharon Dijksma, he said.

"Our aim is to strengthen the agriculture sector using technology available with Israel and the Netherlands. We will start seeing the results of our collaboration with these nations in the next six months," Khadse said.
He said that discussions will also be held on use of technology to combat natural calamities and for construction of greenhouses.
Five agricultural quality centres will be built in regions such as Vidarbha, Marathwada and North Maharashtra -- which report a high number of farmer suicides -- where fruits and vegetables can be stored.
"The Netherlands is also known for its milk and dairy products. Their advice will also help the milk farmers," Khadse said.