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Indian farmers on strike in Israel

Jerusalem: Seventeen Indian farmers, led by this year's prestigious Pravasi Diwas Samman winner, Eliyahu Bezalal, are on an indefinite strike protesting against the Israeli Government's alleged insensitivity in keeping some promises made to them 10 years ago.

The farmers, some of whom were served eviction notices and arrest warrants for non-payment of dues, recently called off a 15-day hunger strike following a visit by Agriculture Minister, Zeev Boim. The row traces its origin 10 years back when farmers from south Israeli `moshav' (community farming settlements), Shahar, who grow roses were asked by the ministry to set up a modern greenhouse technology for flower cultivation for exports.

Out of the total one million USD investment for each one of them, the then Agriculture Minister, Ya'acov Tzur, had assured that the ministry would support them with 40 per cent grant and the farmers had to spend 30 per cent from their side and the remaining would come from suppliers which was to be paid back in five years.

PTI

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