(Left to Right) Eli Ronen- Chairman Mekorot and Anil Jain – Managing Director Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. seen exchanging the MoU
between Mekorot and Jain Irrigation

Highlights :

The MoU is for cooperating and working together in India in projects related to water infrastructure in the country.
Mekorot will contribute and provide design capabilities and technologies along with resources for implementation, management, operation and maintenance of such projects.
Jain Irrigation will contribute and provide the customer relationships, business development, management resources, and procurement of equipment and execution of facility/plant.
Mekorot is one of the world�s most advanced water companies. Mekorot supplies 80% of Israel�s drinking water and 70% of its entire water supply.

Mumbai, February 13, 2008 : Jain Irrigation Systems Limited (JISL) and Mekorot, the National Water Company of Israel have signed today an MOU for cooperating and working together in India in projects related to water infrastructure in the country. Initially the two companies will establish a framework for joint cooperation and collaboration to explore potential projects in the field of desalination plants, water resource management, water supply systems, municipal water management and/or wastewater treatment and reclamation projects in India.

The two companies intend to execute the water projects by using their core competencies and expertise in the water sector. Mekorot will contribute and provide design capabilities and technologies along with resources for implementation, management, operation and maintenance of such projects. Jain Irrigation will contribute and provide the customer relationships, business development, management resources, and procurement of equipment and execution of facility/plant.

Growing urban population has made existing capacities of water treatment, waste water treatment and recycling inadequate. The newer stringent pollution control norms coupled with limited availability of land has made the existing technologies obsolete. This provides immense opportunities for modern efficient technologies which require smaller footprints and low electricity consumption.

As of today the waste water recycling is totally unexplored in India. Infact under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) norms, it is strongly recommended for all beneficiaries to recycle atleast 25% of their waste water for non-domestic uses and for the very purpose JNNURM is willing to provide 100% funds as grants. Recycled water could be used in construction sites / cooling towers / gardening / toilet flushing / Industrial uses etc.

Currently the concept of 24x7 potable water is virtually non-existent in the country however lot of tier I and tier II cities have actively initiated their efforts to implement this concept. This is also a priority sector under JNNURM. Enthused by the success of Public Private Partnership (PPP) concept in the development of road infrastructure in the country, Indian Government is promoting this concept in the field of water infrastructure as well. Urbanization, obsolete technologies, new stringent environmental norms and availability of funds provide for huge untapped opportunities in the field of water infrastructure.

Mr. Ronen Wolfman CEO Mekorot said: "We are very excited over the proposed co-operation with JISL for penetrating to the large Indian market. We believe, we have found the right and best partner in JISL and Jain family to fundamentally and positively change the way water is handled in India. We are fully committed to provide appropriate and effective solutions suited to Indian needs in the field of water infrastructure".

Mr. Anil Jain, Managing Director, Jain Irrigation said: "Demand for water is growing immensely in agriculture as well as for industrial needs. Provision of clean and healthy water for households, adequate and timely supply of water to agriculture and industry is the need of the hour. Right technology and timely execution at competitive rates will make it happen. Currently, there is under investment in this sector and there is enormous opportunity going forward to provide water to all and thus fulfill the underlying potential. We believe this is the most important step we are taking to further deepen our commitment to this field, whose importance cannot be over-emphasized. After all, Water is Life".

About Mekorot
Mekorot is Israel’s national water company which began operations in 1937 achieving the “impossible dream” of Israel’s pioneering leaders, a decade prior to the establishment of the State. Today, Mekorot is one of the world’s most advanced water companies, a leader in water resources management, desalination, wastewater treatment and effluent reuse, rain enhancement, water quality, water security and water project engineering. Through continuous research, experimentation and field innovation, the company provides a reliable supply of high-quality water to a rapidly growing population, despite the region’s limited freshwater resources, arid climate and difficult geopolitical realities. Mekorot supplies 80% of Israel’s drinking water and 70% of its entire water supply, operating 3,000 installations across the country. Mekorot’s uniqueness as a water utility lies in its unparalleled experience, know-how, technologies and innovative processes for the management, operation and treatment of all types of water resources: surface water, underground water, brackish water, seawater and effluents.

About Jain Irrigation
Jain Irrigation is a diversified Company with more than 6,000 employees and market capitalization in excess of Rs. 4 Billion and a product portfolio encompassing Irrigation Products, Piping Products, Plastic Sheets, Dehydrated Foods, Fruit Puree and Juice concentrates. Jain Irrigation has pioneered drip irrigation for small farmers in India and has a major market share in one of the fastest growing irrigation markets in the world and is also the second largest drip irrigation Company in the world. Jain Irrigation has been named as one of the 8 Indian companies expected to emerge as challengers in its field to the world�s leading companies by Standard & Poor.

Jain Irrigation has been involved in water distribution and water conservation over the last three decades. It operates in the water space through providing turn-key solutions for water distribution in urban and rural areas and through Drip Irrigation Division; it has played a significant role for water conservation. Jain Irrigation has carved a niche in creation of water source through rain water harvesting, storage, recovery and recharge, engineering structures, planning, designing, implementation and management. Company�s clientele in water business includes water utility boards, municipal corporations, contractors as well as farmers across India. Jain Irrigation also possesses the know-how for last mile connectivity for distribution of 24 X 7 water. The company has pioneered drip irrigation for small farmers in India and has the major market share in India which is one of the fastest growing irrigation markets in the world. Its proven inclination for the best practices has led it emerge as the world leader in Micro Irrigation Industry.