Drip by drip, learn the Israeli way

Narendra Modi's recent visit to Israel focused on reviewing the strategic partnership and exploring further cooperation in several areas, including agriculture and water management.

Israel has emerged as a global leader in both sectors through the strategic use of technology. At the time of its independence in 1948, more than 60% of its land was desert. Much of it was unfit for cultivation. Yet, within a few decades, Israel transformed this barren terrain into one of the world's most productive agricultural systems through innovation, scientific research and efficient resource management.

Israel exports high-quality agricultural produce - particularly fruit and vegetables - worth approximately $2.9 bn from 271,000 ha of arable land. In 2024, its agricultural exports exceeded $10,000 per ha of arable land, compared to a global average of about $1,700. India's export value per ha remains below $400.


The principal reason behind this disparity lies in productivity. Israel's per- ha productivity is roughly 6.3x the global average and about 5x that of India. For example, maize yields in Israel stand at 15.69 t/ha compared to 3.5 t/ha in India. In vegetables, Israel harvests nearly 66 t/ha of tomatoes, while India averages around 25 t/ha. In dairy, the average milk yield per cow in Israel is 37.6 kg per day - 5x the global average and nearly 7x India's average.

Israel's annual rainfall ranges from 20 mm to 700 mm. So, how has Israel achieved global leadership in agriculture? Its success lies in a combination of technological innovation and scientific management.

Drip irrigation Israel pioneered the technology in the mid-1960s, reducing water use by nearly 60% while raising yields by around 40%. Today, it recycles over 85% of its wastewater for agricultural use - the highest rate in the world. It has developed drought-resistant and high-yielding crop varieties through biotechnology and advanced breeding techniques.

Fertigation Delivering fertilisers through drip systems and precision agriculture has enabled farmers to double yields with significantly lower water use. Scarcity of land and harsh climatic conditions have also driven the widespread adoption of greenhouse and protected cultivation technologies for high-value crops. Vertical and urban farming systems are further enhancing productivity in space-constrained environments.

India's agricultural scale is far bigger than Israel's, but many challenges are like those addressed by it: water scarcity, climate variability, rising input costs, low productivity in several crops, and sustainability concerns. Although India has achieved historically high agricultural growth in the past decade, pressures on natural resources - especially water - are intensifying. Enhancing resilience, improving productivity and ensuring sustainability are now urgent priorities.

Collaboration with Israel can accelerate India's transition toward efficient, technology-driven and climate-resilient agriculture.

Bilateral cooperation is underway. Israel has established 43 Centres of Excellence in India under a G-G partnership. These centres focus on high-value crops such as fruit, vegetables and flowers, promoting protected cultivation (polyhouses and net houses), precision farming and efficient water management. Reports indicate improved productivity and higher incomes for farmers using these technologies.

The next step should be to scale up this partnership. ICAR and state agricultural universities could deepen research collaboration with Israeli institutions in areas with high-impact potential. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) could serve as platforms for testing, adapting and disseminating proven Israeli technologies in crops, water management and dairy across larger geographies.

With structured cooperation, India can enhance productivity, conserve scarce water resources and shift toward high- value agriculture. A strengthened Indo-Israel agricultural partnership holds transformative potential - not only for farmer incomes and sustainability but also for India's aspiration to emerge as a global food power. Reaching one-third of Israeli productivity could raise India's share in global agriculture to one-third - a sure path to meet India's aspiration to emerge as a global food power.