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Reuters
3 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Cooperation Green 2000 – PRODAC: A Revolutionary Model of Modern Agriculture in Senegal and Africa
KFAR VITKIN, Israel, June 2, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- In 2015, Green 2000 – Agricultural Equipment & Know-How Ltd., opens new tab, a leading Israeli agriculture company, signed an agreement with the Government of Senegal, through PRODAC (Community Agricultural Domains Program), for the implementation of four ASTC (Agricultural Services and Training Center) projects in various locations across the country. The execution of this project, with its primary mission of supporting farmers in modernizing their agricultural production activities, while simultaneously addressing employment issues, enabled the country to take off and embrace the practice of modern, sustainable, and profitable agriculture. The implementation of Green 2000's project in Senegal was part of the implementation of the missions assigned to it by the Senegalese Government. Indeed, in accordance with the contract, four ASTCs were established by Green 2000 in four regions of Senegal: Sefa (Ziguinchor), Keur Momar Sarr (Louga), Keur Samba Kane (Thies), and Sangalkam (Dakar). The ASTC is a unique concept developed by Green 2000 and capable of supporting a few thousand farmers. The center offers its members, individual farmers, and their families, an extensive list of services, training, and support from a rural logistics center. The adaptation of Green 2000's ASTC model, as the heart of the DACs (Community Agricultural Domains), has revolutionized Senegalese agricultural design. Indeed, its implementation in Senegal has provided GEAs (Agricultural Entrepreneurs' Groups), farmers in the center and surrounding areas, with ongoing training, technical support, production and sales support services, post-harvest services (processing, packaging, transport, etc.), and many other services, ensuring the implementation of a more modern, diversified, and productive agriculture. The ASTC model is a revolutionary, emblematic initiative of the modern agricultural model in Senegal. The centers are equipped with a variety of modern equipment, including the latest generation of agricultural machinery (tractors, combine harvesters, etc.), modern irrigation systems (central pivot, computerized irrigation control, etc.), production and demonstration areas (greenhouses, tunnels, nethouses, nurseries, open fields), a training center, and an administrative building, to the satisfaction of the Senegalese government in this flagship project. "We have found the model we need to finally modernize our agriculture," stated former Senegalese President, His Excellency Mr. Macky Sall, during the inauguration ceremony of the Keur Momar Sarr (KMS) DAC on July 10, 2021. Green 2000, through its extensive experience, has shared with Senegal its expertise in the field of agriculture. "Green 2000 has provided us with its full support for PRODAC. This emblematic initiative aims to create jobs and integrate young people through rural entrepreneurship. And thanks to this partnership, four [DACs] have been established," stated Ambassador Christian Assogba, Director of State Protocol of Senegal, during the celebration of Israel Independence Day at the Embassy of Israel in Dakar in May 2025. The ASTC model implemented in Senegal has been an inspiring success, earning it numerous visits from major local producers and even from many countries in the sub-region. Among them, we can cite the government of Côte d'Ivoire, which also adopted the program following the mission to Senegal. To date, four ASTCs have already been established and already operational in Côte d'Ivoire, through the Agreement between Green 2000 and the Government of Côte d'Ivoire. "Success for the ASTC project has been tremendous, and its impact on the agricultural sector in the countries where it is established is massive" says Refael Dayan, owner and CEO of Green 2000. The success of these projects encourages more countries to join. Recently, the company signed an agreement with the Zambian government, which includes financing of the deal. Another agreement was signed with the government of Senegal, which involves establishing ten ASTC centers for the Ministry of Youth and Employment. About Green 2000 – Agricultural Equipment & Know-How Ltd. Founded in 2000 by Refael Dayan and with more than 20 years of experience and more than 30 projects around the world, Green 2000 – Agricultural Equipment & Know-How Ltd. has established itself as one of Israel's leading agricultural companies. For more information, visit Media Contact Green 2000greenltd@ ### SOURCE: Green 2000 – Agricultural Equipment & Know-How Ltd. Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire See release on EZ Newswire
United News of India
12-05-2025
- Science
- United News of India
CSIR-IICT celebrates National Technology Day 2025 with ASTC annual convention
Hyderabad, May 11 (UNI) The CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), in collaboration with the Academy for Science, Technology and Communication (ASTC) and the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI), Hyderabad Chapter, celebrated National Technology Day 2025 along with the ASTC Annual Convention at the CSIR-IICT campus on Sunday. Governor of Telangana, Jishnu Dev Varma, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his address, he stated, 'This is the age of research, of technology, of finding ways to make the world a better place.' He also lauded the efforts of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government in democratizing access to science and research, expressing hope that CSIR institutions will continue to deliver transformative contributions to society. Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr D Srinivasa Reddy, Director of CSIR-IICT, highlighted the importance of scientific innovation in tackling global challenges. He said, 'The theme this year is very meaningful. It reminds us that science and technology must help solve the problems we face today.' He also showcased CSIR-IICT's key contributions, including compostable plastics, affordable sanitary pads, and AGR technology that converts organic waste into biogas. Dr Vinay Kumar Nandicoori, Director of CSIR–Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), emphasised the central role of technology in CSIR's mission. He discussed CCMB's pioneering work in rare disease diagnostics, wildlife forensics, DNA fingerprinting, and the development of a low-cost screening test for sickle cell anaemia priced under Rs 100. Dr Prakash Kumar, Director of CSIR–National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), noted that "the courage to think differently creates impact." He outlined NGRI's initiatives to build an earthquake-resilient society through mega-projects assessing and mitigating seismic hazards in the Himalayas, Ganga Plains, and other vulnerable areas. Delivering the ASTC Foundation Lecture on 'Gut Microbiome – The Science & Application,' Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman of AIG Hospitals, underlined the critical role of the gut microbiome in modern medicine. He explained its profound influence on immunity, metabolism, mental health, and its potential in managing a wide range of disorders. In the Presidential Address, Dr Ch Mohan Rao, Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Council–ASTC and NASI Hyderabad Chapter, gave an overview of the inception of National Science Day and highlighted the ongoing activities of NASI. The event also featured the release of the latest issue of ASTC Communications, the felicitation of contributing authors, and the presentation of ASTC Awards in categories including Science Popularization, Excellence in Science and Technology, and Lifetime Achievement. Dr D Srinivasa Reddy and Dr S Venkata Mohan, Director of NEERI and former Chief Scientist at CSIR-IICT, were honoured with the Excellence in Science and Technology Award. UNI VV SS
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Clear footpaths, less traffic on election day
1 2 3 4 Guwahati: Assam panchayat elections temporarily transformed the urban landscape, as a significant number of street vendors, largely comprising of fruit and vegetable sellers, returned to their villages to cast votes, leaving city footpaths unusually accessible and roads noticeably less through the city on Wednesday, Guwahatians experienced clear footpaths and less near the Jalukbari flyover, Pan Bazaar, Paltan Bazaar, Fancy Bazaar and multiple other locations that typically host dozens of vendors selling everything from seasonal fruits to vegetables were largely vacant, with only a handful of sellers maintaining their usual spots. The bus stops of Jalukbari, Bharalumukh, and Shilpukhuri, often encroached upon, were easily accessible to citizens on Wednesday."Because of panchayat elections, today I could walk on the footpath without having to step onto the road," said Rakesh Ojah, a resident of flow also improved with major thoroughfares experiencing smoother movement due to the govt requisition of several city buses for the panchayat election.A private sector employee, Shabnam Sultana, said, "Today there is much less traffic than on usual days due to the requisition of several city buses for election duty while keeping the remaining buses densely packed."An official of Assam State Transport Corporation said a total of 50 buses under ASTC had been requisitioned for panchayat election duty and all the 256 electric green buses are operational on the roads of Guwahati, providing service to the Municipal Corporation mayor Mrigen Sarania said, "Footpaths of Guwahati will soon be free from illegal vendors, and the enforcement branch has already evicted vendors from footpaths in multiple locations of the city."
