· Governor Seeks Japanese Support for Mushroom and Mango Cultivation in Maharashtra
By Mewati Sitaram
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Yagi Koji, the Consul General of Japan in Mumbai, met with Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan on Thursday, October 24. During the meeting, Koji emphasized that Japan and India are “natural partners” and highlighted the current high level of relations between the two nations.
Collaborative Projects and Skill Development
Koji underscored Japan’s commitment to cooperating with Maharashtra, specifically mentioning ongoing projects such as the Metro Line, Atal Setu, and the High-Speed Train initiative. He expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts in skill training and the teaching of the Japanese language, aiming to enhance educational ties and workforce development in the state.
Agricultural Innovation and Cultural Exchange
Governor Radhakrishnan welcomed the Consul General warmly, recalling his recent visits to Tokyo and Osaka as Chairman of the Coir Board. He praised the high-quality mushrooms cultivated in Japan and expressed hope for collaboration that could assist Maharashtra’s farmers and women’s self-help groups in mushroom cultivation. The Governor called for increased cooperation between agricultural universities in Maharashtra and Japan to foster innovation in farming practices.
Promoting Exotic Varieties and Joint Ventures
Highlighting Japan’s renowned ‘Miyazaki’ mango, Radhakrishnan proposed that Japan assist in cultivating this special mango variety in Maharashtra, which could significantly benefit local farmers, including those from tribal communities. As the Chancellor of state universities, he pledged to promote Japanese language education and announced plans to convene a meeting with vice chancellors and Japan Foundation officials at Raj Bhavan.
The Governor expressed hope for Japan to consider establishing a Joint Venture akin to Germany’s initiatives, aimed at the creation and export of skilled manpower from Maharashtra, further deepening the economic and cultural partnership between the two nations.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
