The constant growth in agricultural production is due to close cooperation between researchers, extensionists, farmers and agriculture related industries. Despite the decrease in number of farmers, agriculture still plays a significant role in Israel's economy. Total agriculture production for 1998 accounted for 2% of GDP.

Approximately 6,6,400 people are involved in agriculture. This number represents about 2.9% of the country's total workforce.

Average income of those employed in 1998 was $1,600 every month. In the early 1950s, one full-time agricultural employee fed 17 people, but in 1998 one full-time employee fed 95 people.

Agriculture export for 1998 in Israel reached $1.3 billion -- 6 per cent of the country's total exports. A total $808 million is fresh produce exported mainly to WesternEurope, $473 million is processed food.

In India, out of 65 crore acres of land, 35 crore acres are under agriculture. If every acre production from these 35 crore acres can support 5-6 people then we can feed around 500-600 crore people. But supporting 120 crore by 2010 is sort of target our agricultural planners. We must learn from Israelis how to increase the productivity quickly.

As regards vegetables, they represent approximately 18.3% of Israel's total agricultural production. In 1998, Israel produced 1,991 million tonnes of vegetables over an area of 50,000 hectares. Some 1,25,900 tonnes of vegetables valued at $135.5 million were exported in 1998. They account for 14.1% of total exports of Israel's fresh produce.

Vegetables represent approximately 18.3% of Israel's total agricultural production. In 1998 Israel produced 1,991 million tons of vegetables over an area of 50,000 hectares. Some 1,25,900 tonnes of vegetables, valued at $135.5 million, were exported in 1998. They account for 14.1% oftotal exports of fresh produce.

In addition to the export of fresh vegetables, processed vegetables are also exported. For example, approximately 70% of processed and canned corn is exported, and 65% of processed tomatoes. The total production of vegetables for processing in 1998 was around 48,000 tons.

Intensive growing methods

To enable the growth of vegetables under a wide range of climatic and topographical conditions, a number of technologically advanced growing methods are utilised in the vegetable sector, including green houses with climate control systems and soilless culture. Some 2,500 hectares of vegetables are grown in greenhouses and tunnels using various agrotechnologies. The main crops cover 825 hectares of tomatoes, including cherry tomatoes, 382 hectares of cucumbers, 432 hectares of peppers, 191 hectares of melons (under plastic tunnels), and 10 hectares of green house melons.

Soilless culture eliminates many hazards that arise when using soil as a growth medium, and allowsgreater control over irrigation and fertilisation. Some 200 hectares are grown using this method.

While tomatoes grown in the open field reach yields of 60-80 tonnes per hectare, an average of 200-300 tons can be grown in greenhouses under controlled climate conditions. Peak yields have even reached a record 500 tons.

As mentioned earlier, in our country with several efforts of researchers and extensionists the average yield of tomatoes per hectare comes out t be 30-40 tonnes in open cultivation.

In order to reduce the use of pesticides, net houses are being used increasingly for production in the summer in Israel.

The farmers in Israel and other countries have introduced new varieties of different vegetable crops, such as tomatoes, melons, cucumbers, onions and peppers. Seed production is suited to local conditions and is monitored closely to help maintain high quality.

New varieties of strawberries are able to bear fruit throughout the winter, from November onwards. These new varieties excel inboth shape and quality, and new growing technologies have been introduced to the farmers.

Vegetable growing in arid zones

The climate in arid zones, characterised by long hours of sunshine and relatively high temperatures, can be exploited to produce high-quality vegetables during the off-season of competitors overseas. Other characteristics of the desert region are also exploited. For example, a tomato known by the brand name Desert Sweet is irrigated with saline water, which contributes to its unique sweet flavor and high quality.

(The author works with Biotechnology Resource Centre, Mumbai. He was a member of delegation sent by Maratta Chamber of Commerce, Pune, to Agritech '99, held in Israel last month)ÿ