African Visitors Impressed With Israeli Agri-Tech

Senior agricultural officials from ten African countries are in Israel to learn more about the country’s “green miracle.” Many of the officials are from Muslim countries in central and west Africa, and for many of them it was their first time in the country. Among the countries represented were Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, Liberia, Nigeria, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Benin, Burkina Faso and Cape Verde.

Israel is a major exporter of agricultural technology to the developing world, including Africa. Among the many technologies developed in Israel was drip irrigation, a technology that cuts the use of water in fields by as much as 70 percent. Many of the cutting edge technologies developed in Israel have gone on to be widely adopted around the world.

Leading the delegation was Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel. “This is an extremely important event, both from an agriculture and diplomatic point of view. For many members of this delegation it is their first time in Israel, and we have very distant relations with some of these countries. I see this delegation as an important milestone that will greatly enhance our relationships with African countries,” said Ariel.