<span style="color: #222222;">In Assam, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today laid the foundation stone of Indo-Israeli Centre of Excellence for Vegetables Protected Cultivation near Guwahati in presence of Israeli Ambassador Dr. Ron Malka.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Rs. 10.33-crore project is expected to bolster the agricultural activities in the state by providing exposure to latest Israeli technologies.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Expressing hope that the Centre of Excellence would provide a major boost to agricultural and horticultural production in Assam, the Chief Minister said that it would be a value addition to the government's efforts to double farmers' income.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Malka underlined the close bond of friendship between India and Israel in the recent years and said that India and Israel is a perfect match where both countries complement each other.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">He said, even in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, both India and Israel fought together.   </span><br />''