Micro-irrigation provides the technology that's needed for the efficient use of water for crops. Of the total area in India under micro-irrigation, more than 80 per cent has come up in the last five years, thanks to Indo-Israeli cooperation in this field.
Recognizing the need, the Finolex Group entered into a joint venture in 1992 to introduce Israeli technology in the field of water management. For almost two decades, Finolex Plasson Industries Ltd. not only made and supplied micro-irrigation systems but also offered agronomical support, fertigation, automation and climate controlling systems throughout India in the field of agriculture, horticulture and green houses.
Since irrigation is confined to limited crops and areas, the company also introduced the same for new crops, including sugarcane. Recently, it tied up with the Rajasthan Government and an Israeli entrepreneur to form a new company to cultivate olives in the desert of Rajasthan.
Other developments such as retail outlets, supply chain management and corporate/ contract farming are helping increase agriculture produce. The Indo-Israel cooperation has ample scope in the years to come and can enhance the per hectare crop yield in India, comparable to Israeli standard
"We are thrilled to become part of McGraw-Hill Education," said Isaac Segal, CEO of Tegrity. "As a company, our mission has always been to help institutions improve student success, and having the resources of McGraw-Hill behind the service will only strengthen our ability to fulfill this mission. Furthermore, a deeper coupling of Tegrity's ability to cost-effectively distribute user-generated digital content with McGraw-Hill Education's digital teaching and learning platform will provide for some very exciting capabilities for students."
Tegrity, which has offices in Santa Clara, Calif., and Israel, will maintain its current personnel and facilities. "One of Tegrity's biggest assets is the knowledge and experience of its employees," said Vineet Madan, vice president of Learning Ecosystems at McGraw-Hill Education. "Tegrity's expertise will bolster McGraw-Hill's ability to develop and provide next-generation educational services."
The acquisition expands The McGraw-Hill Companies' presence in Israel and Tegrity's employees who are based there effectively establish the foundation for a new McGraw-Hill Education group in the country. In 2008, the corporation, through its Standard & Poor's division, acquired Maalot, Israel's largest credit and mutual fund ratings company.