Nanyang, Israel partner for agricultural zone

A topping-off ceremony was held in Yangji village, Neixiang county, Nanyang, on Jan 9, to celebrate the start of the construction of China (Neixiang)-Israel Agricultural Science and Technology Innovative Demonstration Park.

The park, a cooperation project between Zhengzhou-based Muyuan Foods Co Ltd and Israel-based Suori Agricultural Hi-tech Group, will cost 130 million yuan ($18.78 million).

The first phase of the park will cost 30 million yuan, cover an area of 468 mu (31 hectares), and have five sections -- planting, demonstration, entertainment, sightseeing, shopping and research center. It is scheduled to be completed by the end of July, 2017.

Cao Zhinian, vice manager of Muyuan Foods Group delivers a speech during the opening ceremony. [Photo/dahe.cn]

Muyuan Foods is a conglomerate that focuses on pig farming, fodder production, green agriculture, and financial investment. It has established subsidiaries in various regions around the country, including Hubei, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

Suoli Agricultural Hi-tech Group, a leading company in the agricultural sector, was established more than 30 years ago.

Yitzhak Lee Birge, head of Suoli Group expressed his confidence in the project during the opening ceremony. [Photo/dahe.cn]

"The park will integrate current agricultural achievements of Muyuan Foods and the innovative technologies introduced from Israel," said Yao Shuguang, magistrate of Neixiang county.

"The park also will bring new opportunities for local residents."

Yitzhak Lee Birge, head of Suoli Group, spoke highly of the healthy investment environment of Neixiang, and expressed his confidence in the project.

Nanyang is often referred to as the granary of central China for its prosperous agriculture.

A topping-off ceremony for the construction of the China (Neixiang)-Israel Agricultural Science and Technology Innovative Demonstration Park is held on Jan 9. [Photo/dahe.cn]