Chandigarh, Nov 15 (IANS) Twelve countries, including partner country Israel, will feature their technology and agricultural innovations at CII's biennial agro-technology and business fair, Agro Tech 2016, which begins here on Saturday.
The four-day event will be officially inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee along with his Israeli counterpart Reuven Rivlin on Sunday.
The 12 participating countries are the US, Denmark, Turkey, Israel, Spain, Italy, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, Britain, China and South Africa.
"International participation is the major attraction with countries displaying latest technologies, products and services, new launches and live demonstrations of innovations happening in the industry. The fair will showcase state-of-the-art advancements in the farming technology for both businesses and visiting farmers," a CII spokesperson said on Tuesday.
"Among the prominent experts to share their experiences in the industry include Agri-Tech specialist, Luis Mulet from UK, who will be attending the fair and providing collaboration and partnering opportunities in the areas of Animal Science, Plant Science and Precision Agriculture.
"Other key speakers include Richard Klapholz, CEO, Rivulis Irrigation, Israel; Shani Keysar, Founder & CEO, SolChip, Israel; Ilay Engelhard, Founder & CEO, ATP Labs, Israel; Mahender Singh, Former CEO & Rector MISI Non-Executive Director, eCEOs, Malaysia; and Eyal Cohen, Managing Partner, Copia Agro & Food, Israel," the spokesperson said.
Terming it "one of its kind agricultural exhibition with a large domestic participation and significant international presence as well", the spokesperson said that partner country this time is Israel, while focus countries are Canada and Germany while guest country is Great Britain.
"Exhibitors from the US, Denmark, Turkey, Israel, Spain, Italy, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, UK, China and South Africa will showcase the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment and technology in the agriculture sector at the fair," the spokesperson added.
Agriculture in Israel is a highly developed industry. Israel is a major exporter of fresh produce and a world-leader in agricultural technologies despite the fact that the geography of Israel is not naturally conducive to agriculture.
Israel will showcase its unique drip irrigation systems, wastewater-to-agriculture reuse, and aquaponics. The country leads with cutting-edge agricultural practices.
To seek the help of technology for providing solutions to the agriculture sector, the Confederation of Indian Industry's (CII) Agro Tech 2016 will feature an 'Agri-Hackathon', a senior CII functionary said on Tuesday.
"In age of technological advancement, CII Agro Tech 2016 is focused specially on harnessing new technologies and energy of the youth to propel agricultural growth in the country. An interesting and engaging highlight of the fair this year would be 'AgHack 2016', an agri hackathon, which will see participation of students from agriculture universities, agri-start-ups, management and business institutions, as well as engineering colleges of repute. These young minds will face the challenge to come up with business ideas to solve issues impeding agricultural performance in India," said CII Northern Region chairperson Rumjhum Chatterjee.
The AgHack 2016 will provide an opportunity to students across India to build technology solutions around challenges related to soil and crop health, supply chain issues, marketing, among others that impact agricultural performance, she said.
"This will add a new dimension of exploring the power of ideas, exciting young minds to push the frontiers of agri technology and innovation," Chatterjee said.
Nearly 70 students from agricultural Universities, IITs, IIMs, ISB and other institutes have already registered and will be participating in the 20 hour hackathon.
