To promote agricultural innovation and development in the Philippines, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has partnered with Israel, despite ongoing war with Palestine.
Secretary Conrado Estrella III and Israel Ambassador Ilan Fluss have talked about the potential for a close partnership on advanced farming technologies, rural development, and sustainable agricultural practices, according to a news release issued by DAR.
Providing positive impact
Key areas of possible cooperation were the focus of the talks, especially the use of Israeli technologies in appropriate irrigation techniques, which were deemed needed by many Filipino farmers.
Regarding Precision Agriculture (PA)--which Israel is known for–both officials were enthusiastic as the Philippines aims to leverage data technology to improve crop productivity, water use, and resource management.
Fluss, however, shared the resolve of Israel's agriculture industry and acknowledged the country's continued struggles brought on by the Middle East conflict.
Exchange of expertise
Fluss also asked DAR officials to travel to Israel as part of knowledge-sharing programs to get training from specialists in agriculture, rural development, and climate change adaptation.
Estrella also recommended expanding agriculture programs to include agriculture graduates financed by the DAR.
Both countries also recognized the favorable impact of DAR initiatives on the lives of agrarian reform beneficiaries while highlighting the necessity for further expansion in rural areas.
