The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday assured that the conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas would only have a minimal effect on the country’s agricultural production.
“The Israel government has been a long-time partner of the DA in various initiatives particularly in water management and fertilization, and so we hope for the immediate resolve of the conflict in the Middle East,” DA Assistant Secretary for Operations Arnel de Mesa said in a statement.
He cited fertigation, an Israeli technology which combines the efficient distribution of plant nutrients through drip irrigation, has been adapted in various rice areas in the Philippines.
He noted that this technology has been gaining popularity among Filipino farmers as it enables them to apply the precise amount of nutrients in their crops while conserving water.
De Mesa added that the Philippines and Israel continue to strengthen collaboration on various initiatives relative to training, internship, professional exchange, as well as monitoring and evaluation, to improve agricultural productivity.
“Aside from innovative farm and water systems, we have longstanding trade partnerships with Israel,” he said.
De Mesa also noted that Israel has been buying desiccated coconut, pineapple juice and concentrates, and other mixtures from Filipino producers.
Last year, total exports of Israel for various Philippine products reached 3,441,855 kilograms.
This year, a total of 3,366,963 kilograms of various agricultural commodities have been bought by Israel from January to June.
De Mesa said part of the trading agreement between the Philippines and Israel is the importation of different processed products, including orange and grape juice, as well as other fructose.
Aside from food ingredients, the Philippines imported USD3.28 million worth of fertilizer from Israel in 2022.
From January to October this year, a total of 4,555 metric tons of muriate of potash have been imported based on data from the DA’s Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority. (PNA)